Spotlight on Nigeria at the V&A: Culture, Creativity, and Design

Through curator insights, artist conversations and gallery journeys, delve into the stories behind textiles, ceramics, costume, art, sculpture, posters, print and photography. Discover the bold creativity of traditional craft practices alongside the powerful narratives embedded in both historic and contemporary works. This event invites you to explore the collections through contemporary perspectives, uncovering connections between past and present, local and global histories, and heritage and innovation. Bringing together an exceptional line-up of artists, curators and cultural practitioners, the programme includes: 12.00 - 12.15 Welcome and Opening Event Introductions. 12.15 - 13.15 Bound Together: Leather from Northern Nigeria - presentation with Dr Eva Namusoke, Senior Curator, African Collections Futures, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. 13.30 - 14.45 1. Adire Textile History and Handling Workshop with Jessica Harpley, Assistant Curator Fashion, V&A. 2. Prints, Posters and Photography with Ella Ravilious, Curator, Architecture and Design, V&A, and Isaac Huxtable, Assistant Curator, Photography, V&A. 3. Tour of Nigerian Objects across the V&A galleries, including Ceramics, Silver, and Design 1900 - Now with Nadia Denton, African Heritage Tour Guide, V&A. Please select ONE activity. Capacity is limited to 20 places per activity and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some activities repeat later in the programme. 14.45 - 15.15 Break 15.15 - 16.15 At the Threshold: When Gods and Mortals Dance - an in conversation with Artist Oliver Enwonwu and Nike Awoyinka, Senior Higher Education Leader and Global Consultant. There will be an opportunity to view the artist's paintings. 16.15 - 17.30 1. Challenging the Lens: Artist Talk and Display Viewing with V&A & Adobe Artist Resident Michael Akuagwu. 2. Prints, Posters and Photography with Ella Ravilious, Curator, Architecture and Design, V&A, and Isaac Huxtable, Assistant Curator, Photography, V&A. 3. Tour of Nigerian Objects across the V&A galleries, including Ceramics, Silver, and Design 1900-Now with Stella-Kemi Akintan, African Heritage Tour Guide, V&A. Please select ONE activity. Capacity is limited to 20 places per activity and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 17.30 - 18.00 Final gathering, visitor comments, feedback, and networking. Whether you're encountering Nigerian culture for the first time or bringing your own knowledge and experience to the conversation, join us to celebrate the richness of Nigerian heritage and its global influence on design, creativity and culture. Expect lively discussion, fresh perspectives and a welcoming space to connect, reflect and exchange. A detailed programme will be announced shortly. This event forms part of the V&A Academy's celebration marking Nigeria's Independence.