EU pledges more funding for Nigerian artists, cultural events

The European Union (EU) has pledged increased financial support for Nigeria's creative sector, aiming to empower artists and promote cultural events nationwide. During the inaugural Lagos Contemporary Circus Festival at the National Theatre in Surulere, Lagos, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, announced this new commitment.

The two-day festival featured artists from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Switzerland, showcasing a variety of contemporary circus performances such as dance, acrobatics, and juggling.

Mignot emphasized the EU's ongoing dedication to fostering culture, the arts, and the creative economy, particularly during challenging times. He expressed the EU's intent to provide more funding for cultural initiatives across Africa via the Europe-Africa Partnerships for Culture, in collaboration with European artists. The ambassador also highlighted the EU's intention to support cultural organizations and events in Nigeria, including the National Theatre and the Lagos Biennial of Contemporary Art.

Tola Akerele, the General Manager and CEO of the National Theatre, underscored the festival's goal to raise awareness about contemporary circus and highlight Nigeria's artistic potential. She emphasized the festival's success would be measured by how well the audience understood and appreciated the art form. Akerele expressed satisfaction with the diverse audience's response and called for further support for cultural activities in the country.