British Council pledges support for young creatives

The British Council of Nigeria, as highlighted by The Punch, is actively nurturing the nation's vibrant creative sector. Harry Kesiena's commitment to supporting young artists, musicians, fashion designers, and writers demonstrates a crucial investment in Nigeria's cultural future.

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One of the reasons why we are here today is because of the programme we launched. We realised that post-COVID, it became very difficult for creatives to put events together. The British Council across Nigeria has locations in various cities, including Port Harcourt.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the arts community's ability to organize events and access performance spaces, the British Council's initiative to open its facilities at no cost is particularly commendable. This provides a much-needed platform for creatives to showcase their talents, connect with new audiences, and gain exposure, not only within Nigeria but potentially in international markets like the United Kingdom.

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What we did was open up our spaces for creatives to use. If artists want to share their music with new audiences, they can come to the British Council and talk to us, and use the space at no cost.

This support extends beyond mere physical space; it encompasses capacity-building programs and the provision of structured, secure environments with essential amenities like stable power. The emphasis on beneficiaries demonstrating structure and preparedness ensures that these opportunities are leveraged effectively, fostering a professional and sustainable creative industry. It's a proactive approach that recognizes the immense potential within Nigeria's youth and aims to empower them to thrive.

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The elite party is not just for the elite but for lovers of good music. My style of music is Afrobeat, but I blend it with other music.