In 2010, CCA Lagos initiated a unique program aimed at addressing the educational gap in Nigeria and many African countries, which tended to ignore the critical methodologies and histories that underpin artistic practice. Using the format of part art workshop, part residency and part art academy, the art school programme focuses on critical thinking and the application of conceptual ideas alongside the techniques and methodologies of art creation.

Designed for individuals interested in exploring the conception, development and implementation of creative work, the program is mainly suited for artists, curators, and cultural practitioners who are curious and want to experiment with modes of practice and thought outside of the traditional modes of working but not to its total exclusion.

Theme: Holding Memory

The Àsìkò pedagogy places great emphasis on immersing in the rich history and culture of the locations of each hosting edition. The 2025 Asiko edition aims to delve into the intersection of art, curation, and the intricate relationship between memory and preservation within the context of Cairo, Egypt.

Under the theme of Holding Memory, Àsìkò opens a space for the exploration of the visualisation of memory, in the sense of thinking about Hieroglyphics of Memory, memory loss, forms of remembering, forgetting, excavations of memory, engaging the past, archives and history, cartography, and mapping.

These concepts invite exploration of Egypt’s unique position as both African and Middle Eastern, its important role in historical conceptions of Africa yet highlighting its (dis)connection with the rest of Africa and the world. The focus is on exploring the potential for shared histories and ancestral lineages. The 2025 Àsìkò edition potentiates a delve into the complex relationship between memory, preservation, and the geographic segregation of Africa’s rich culture and history.

Workshop Rationale

In most African Countries, the Visual Arts Sector is predominantly conservative with many artists working in the traditional media of painting and sculpture. There is often minimal knowledge and interest in artistic practices that use new media or digital technology or that are experimental in nature or even research based.

In order to encourage and support artists interested in exploring different conceptual and material possibilities (especially in the area of lens-based media and other experimental modes of working), the structure of Àsìkò is rooted in the convergence of different artistic processes—be it painting, sculpture, performance, installation, photography, video, internet, etc.—whilst striving to provide an alternative to the traditional residency format.

Workshop Benefits Include:

• Access to experienced local and international artists and curators.
• Individual portfolio reviews and personal feedback.
• Extended critique sessions.
• Developing writing skills for artists and curators.
• Encouraging and developing new contemporary practices on the African continent.
• Sharing knowledge through curatorial lectures, artists’ presentations and critical debate.
• Developing new ways of creative thinking through the implementation of non-traditional elements (including performance, digital and sound)
• International networking opportunities.

Structure of Àsìkò

Àsìkò is an intensive programme with compulsory scheduled activity five days per week. In keeping with local context, this edition will run Sunday to Thursday. This edition is loosely divided into 3 segments, each led by a lead artist/curator, each with their own style, working methods, and perspectives. Each segment will be complemented by 1-3 visiting guest speakers (4-5 days); curators, artists, historians, filmmakers and writers, amongst others. This gives participants a broad range of processes and insight to consider for their own development, offering stimulating opportunities for discussion, thought, and reflection. The key to each segment will be critical theory as well as various non-traditional art-making and curatorial approaches, all with the goal of helping participants realise and achieve their unique visions. The group (artists and curators) will work together towards the production and presentation of a collaborative project to be shared during the final week of the programme.

Who Can Apply?
Àsìkò is primarily targeted at Artists and curators from Africa and the African Diaspora. Priority will be given to African artists working on the continent who may not have had access to the education or professional opportunities that this programme offers.

Visual Artists can be working in any media – painting, sculpture, installation, textile, ceramics, photography, video, film, performance art and social practice. Applications are open to all artists (with or without formal art education) who have been professionally active for at least 3 years. Curators and writers from across Africa with at least 2 years experience and who would benefit from the close interaction with artists as well as other professionals. Artists and curators who have participated more than once are not eligible to apply.

Conditions of Acceptance:

All Participants must be available for the full programme in Cairo (April 27th – May 25th, 2025) and the four virtual programme activities pre and post the immersive programme in Cairo.

Àsìkò 2025 will be conducted primarily in English. All Participants must have at least a conversational level of spoken English and grasp written English for Academic texts. A Video interview will be held.

Applicants with any accessibility needs should indicate such on the application to ensure appropriate support and assistance can be provided.

Key Dates

Open Call:
27th November 2024 – 19th January 2025

Pre-Programme Sessions (Remote):
Session 1 – Thursday 3rd April 2025
Session 2 – Thursday 17th April 2025

Àsìkò Art School Programme:
27th April – 25th May 2025
Sun – Thur, 9.00am – 6.00pm.
Cairo, Egypt

Post-Programme Session (Remote):
Session 1 – June 25th 2025
Session 2 – November 25th 2025

Programme Costs

Participation fee is $850 USD for non local participants and $450 USD for local (resident in Egypt) participants.

All participants must pay the participation fee, which goes towards running the programme, a modest production budget, and the final project. Non-resident participants are expected to bear their travel costs to and from Cairo as well as their living costs for the duration of the programme. Accommodation will be covered for non-resident participants.

Please note the total cost of the programme has been substantially subsidised by the CCA, Lagos. All fees must be fully paid by March 31st, 2025, in order to be accepted on the programme.

Participants are encouraged to apply for funding from their home countries or other sources to support their fees, travel and living costs. Several possible resources for funding for African applicants are as follows:

Art Moves Africa (AMA)
The African Arts Trust (TAAT), based in Kenya, eligible to artists from East Africa
ProHelvetia in Johannesburg and Cairo
Prince Claus Fund
Goethe Institutes in your respective countries
Africa no filter

NOTE: We advise you to apply for travel funding whether or not your participation in the programme has been confirmed so as to not miss the application deadlines.

How Do I Apply?
Please complete the application form fully here
Successful applicants will receive a support letter in order to submit visa applications where necessary.
For additional information please contact: asikoartschool@gmail.com

ccalagos.org