Emerging from a sea of exceptional talent, Julius Agbaje of Nigeria and Asmaa Jama, representing the African/Diasporan category, have been named the esteemed winners of the 2023 Access ART X Prize. This prestigious recognition, bestowed upon them after a rigorous evaluation process, serves as a beacon of their artistic mastery, visionary approach, and the transformative impact they have the potential to make on the global stage.

The winners were announced at a ceremony, held at Access Holdings’ headquarters in Lagos. 

As champions of artistic innovation, both winners will receive $10,000 grants to support their groundbreaking solo exhibitions at ART X Lagos 2024, providing a powerful platform to showcase their evolving artistic narratives and ideas. To further fuel their creative growth, the Nigerian winner will embark on a transformative three-month residency at Gasworks, London, while the African/Diasporan winner will experience the rich cultural tapestry of Lagos through a residency at Yinka Shonibare‘s GAS Foundation. Both recipients will receive personalized mentorship and engage in enriching cultural exchange experiences.

Prior to the winner announcement, the finalists participated in a two-day ‘Finalist Forum’, designed to equip them with vital presentation skills and offer valuable artistic insights. This immersive initiative featured interactive workshops, and expert and peer review opportunities, all under the guidance of esteemed facilitators and industry experts. The finalists then presented their work to the Prize Jury, after which the eventual winners were selected.

Speaking on the Access ART X Prize, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, the founder of ART X Collective, expressed her excitement, stating:

Our vision to showcase the depth and diversity of contemporary African art to the world revealed a critical necessity, which was the need to nurture and guide emerging talent on the continent to ensure their lasting impact. The birth of the Access ART X Prize was fueled by an ardent commitment to bridging the gap for early-career artists, empowering them to evolve into adept, globally relevant creatives.

We are elated that this platform has endured and thrived over the years, marked by substantial growth. The increasing number of annual applications underscores both the vital need for our support and the tangible impact we are having. None of this would be possible without the invaluable support of our sponsor, Access Holdings, who has trusted us and supported our vision for the past eight years.

In 2022, the Access ART X Prize expanded its scope to include artists from beyond Nigeria. This expansion marked a milestone in fostering diverse creativity and amplifying the voices of rising talents across the continent.

The 2023 edition of the prize garnered an overwhelming response, with over 3,500 applications received from around the world during the 4-week application period. This surge in applications reflects the growing importance of the Access ART X Prize in the art ecosystem and its ability to attract diverse talent from all corners of the globe.