EU launches initiative to empower artists, promote cultural cooperation in creative sector

The European Union (EU) has launched the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) Nigeria Cluster, in furtherance of its commitment to empowering artists, expanding creative networks, and building stronger bridges between Africa and Europe,

The €30 million EU-funded project, which is implemented by Goethe-Institut, will promote international collaboration opportunities for Nigerian artists, cultural organisations, and creative professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, advancing mutual exchange and co-creation.

---

---

Speaking during the official launch of the AEPC Nigeria Cluster in Lagos State, Gautier Mignot, EU ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stated that culture remains central to sustainable development, social cohesion, and inclusive growth. “We see culture as a driver of mutual understanding, creative innovation, and economic opportunity,” he said.

Emphasising that the launch of the initiative in Nigeria signals the EU’s strong support for culture between Africa and Europe, he said, “Culture is part and parcel of our Global Gateway strategy, aiming at connecting people and creating opportunities and sustainable shared prosperity.

“The EU remains committed to deepening partnerships that amplify African voices and foster cultural diversity. Our goal is to create spaces where voices can be heard, where creative talents can grow without limits and where stories that often remain unseen and forgotten can find itself in the global community.”

Highlighting a few EU-funded cultural programmes in Africa, a show of the EU’s commitment to promoting Africa-Europe cultural relations, Mr Mignot said, “In fact, AEPC is not the only proof of our commitment. Let me just mention two other EU-funded cultural programmes in Africa: Strengthening African-European Museum partnerships, a €20 million programme to support collaborative projects between African and European museums and Creative Africa, a €15 million upcoming project that will support collaboration between the two Audiovisual ecosystems.

---

“We also support the strengthening of cultural policy, in Nigeria like in many other countries in the world. And then, there are a string of smaller support that we bring to cultural actors, like the Festival of Illustrators that took place here a couple of months ago or the Eastern Nigeria Film Festival in Enugu, where I will be next week with several of our Member States Ambassadors.”

Reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigerian creatives in accessing new opportunities for collaboration, training, and global exposure, he said, “Together, we can ensure that no creative is left behind, and that talent from West, East, South and North Nigeria can thrive on international stages. We just have to spread the voice and encourage as many organisations and creators to check if they are eligible, build or finalise strong projects and apply.”

In her remarks, Nadine Siegert, director of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria, explained that the launch of the AEPC Nigeria Cluster represents a landmark milestone in promoting cultural exchange, collaboration, and creative innovation between Africa and Europe. “Nigeria’s creative sector is a force to be reckoned with, diverse, innovative, and increasingly recognised on the global stage. Through initiatives like the AEPC, we are not only showcasing Nigeria’s talent internationally but also creating pathways for collaboration, learning, and sustainable development within the cultural industry,” she said.

Stating that Goethe-Institut, Germany’s cultural institute in Nigeria, is proud to support and invest in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem, she said, “Our commitment is rooted in three key pillars: collaboration, capacity building, and visibility and access. Goethe-Institut is committed to ensuring that opportunities in the cultural sector are accessible to all. By supporting creative hubs, digital platforms, and funding mechanisms, we aim to bridge gaps in resources and visibility, empowering a diverse range of artists and cultural professionals to thrive.”

Also at the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Ayomide Adeagbo, reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to nurturing international creative collaborations.

Mr Adeagbo said the Nigerian government actively encourages co-production, joint projects, and creative partnerships that bridge Nigeria with other regions, particularly across Africa and Europe.

He noted that such exchanges help ensure Nigerian stories continue to travel globally across film, music, fashion, photography and more.

Mr Adeagbo further explained that the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is expanding key initiatives and strengthening cultural diplomacy under Minister Hannatu Musawa.

He said the ompetitive creative economy requires solid collaboration and continuous investment in Nigerians. This is why the federal government supports the AEPC; its vision aligns with our national priorities, he said.

READ ALSO: Federal Ministry of Art, National Sports Commission, partner to build mega Sports Cultural City

“It amplifies the opportunities we are determined to create for Nigerians. This platform opens doors for collaboration, capacity building and cultural exchange between Africa and Europe.

“We want creatives to see themselves not just as beneficiaries of policy but as partners in innovation and development so that together we can unlock the full potential of the sector,” he said.

In West Africa, the project promotes cultural cooperation between countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and the EU.

The project is expected to facilitate the training of 250 professionals, support 450 artists, network 48 festivals, and deepen West Africa–EU cultural relations for lasting social and economic gains.

-END-