Group announces winners, workshop on gender-equitable storytelling

Women in the Arts, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women in creative fields through mentorship, networking, and community-building initiatives, has unveiled winners of its 2024 grants for emerging female creators. Founded by Brenda Uphopho, the organisation is committed to bridging gender gaps in the creative sector, providing women with resources and support to elevate their voices and make meaningful contributions to arts and culture. Each selected grant winner will receive ₦500,000 to support the production of an original performance, which will be showcased at the Lagos Fringe Festival.

This year’s grant recipients are: Belinda Yanga, Erioluwa Popoola, Bunmi Awolowo and Lucia Ifechukwude Ikediashi and Omotola Coker Ibeh The 2024 grant programme was supported by Doyenne Circle, Paws Studios, and Temple Productions NG. Open to women aged 18-35 with a commitment to performance art and social change; the grant received around 100 entries. Submissions were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges; Ego Boyo, Wana Udobang and Uju Dubas-Agbasi.



Proposals were assessed on artistic merit, innovation, alignment with project goals, potential impact, the artist’s experience, and budget. In addition to the grant programme, Women in the Arts is hosting a workshop and luncheon on tomorrow, November 21, 2024, at Freedom Park, Lagos Island. Themed, Girls Just Wanna Have Fundzzzz, this event is focused on equipping women creatives with practical tools and frameworks to enhance gender-equitable storytelling in the performing arts.

The workshop, which has as theme, Tools For Equitable Gender Storytelling, is designed to provide attendees with skills and insights into crafting stories that break gender stereotypes, promote female empowerment, and address gender-based issues in the art space. Highlights of the event include: Dr. Yinka Egbokhare, a renowned lecturer from the University of Ibadan, will give the guest lecture on Networking and community-building sessions to foster connections among women in the arts.

Uphopho, convener of Women in the Arts, is a tireless advocate for gender equity in the arts. Through her leadership, the organisation has built platforms that empower women to tell their stories, advance in their craft, and thrive within the creative industry. Brenda’s vision is to amplify diverse voices in Nigeria’s arts and culture scene, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women creatives.

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