School of Creative Leadership unveils exhibition

School of Creative Leadership exhibition.

The School of Creative Leadership has unveiled an exhibition showcasing works by nine emerging artists and examining the role of creatives in shaping society.

Tagged Outside the Lines, the exhibition opened on Saturday, at Onikan, Lagos Island, and will run until November 21.

The exhibition marks the end of the institution’s inaugural fellowship programme and features about 28 artworks by nine fellows from Abuja, Lagos, Ogun, Niger and Ondo states, as well as London, United Kingdom.

According to the organisers, the exhibition explores the link between artistic potential, leadership development and the capacity of creatives to influence society.

The initiative seeks to address challenges facing African artists, particularly the gap between artistic talent and the knowledge, resources and leadership skills required to build sustainable creative practices.

Through its year-long fellowship, SCL combines leadership training with artistic practice, equipping participants to navigate institutions, understand markets, mobilise resources, build collaborations and contribute to their communities.

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The organisers said the programme was designed to demonstrate that artists could contribute to society beyond creating artworks, including as problem-solvers, institution builders and drivers of social and economic change.

An artist talk and capstone review, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 5pm, will feature Social Impact: The Rebirth Canvas, exploring how creative thinking can be translated into practical solutions to societal challenges.

The programme will also include an exhibition walk-through, allowing visitors to engage with the fellows’ works and creative journeys.

The founder of SCL, Jacqueline Suowari, is a Nigerian multidisciplinary visual artist and cultural leader with more than 15 years of experience in artistic practice and creative development.

Through her Passion for Art Initiative, established in 2011, she has mentored and supported more than 2,000 creatives. The experience informed her decision to establish the school.

The organisers said the exhibition would give audiences, cultural institutions, policymakers, and prospective partners an opportunity to consider how investment in artists could shape Africa’s creative and cultural future.