In a bold move to fortify Nigeria’s creative sector, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy (FMACCE), in collaboration with Google and Del York Creative Academy, has launched an initiative to empower 2,500 young creatives to scale this number to 10,000 across the country. This training program, a significant milestone under FMACCE’s Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), will provide a vital boost to the country’s cultural and creative industries. By aligning with this initiative, young Nigerian creatives are set to gain hands-on learning experiences in Music, Film, Animation, Content Creation, Live Production, and Audio, all of which are pivotal to creating a vibrant and sustainable creative ecosystem.
This partnership is timely as it speaks to the growing need for skilled professionals in the creative industries and aligns with the Nigerian government’s focus on economic diversification. The program will equip participants with practical skills, which are essential to unlocking new opportunities in the global marketplace. The collaborative effort between FMACCE, Google, and Del York Creative Academy marks a progressive step towards realizing Nigeria’s full creative potential.
Empowering Nigerian Creatives: A Strategic Collaboration
The Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP), a brainchild of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, is being implemented through the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). As the lead executing agency, NCAC is poised to leverage its wealth of experience and network to ensure the smooth execution of this groundbreaking project. Through this initiative, the Ministry seeks to provide Nigerian creatives with opportunities that will not only help in fostering talent but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
By partnering with Google and Del York Creative Academy, FMACCE is bringing world-class expertise to Nigerian creatives. Google’s industry-leading technology and Del York’s extensive training experience offer a potent combination that promises to deliver high-quality education to aspiring artists. The focus of the program on empowering Nigerian creatives with essential skills in various creative fields will enhance their employability, improve their content creation capabilities, and foster greater cultural exports from Nigeria.
Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa-Musawa emphasized the importance of this partnership in a statement, noting that this initiative will play a pivotal role in empowering Nigerian youth. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s creative talent. By empowering our youth with the skills they need to excel in the creative industries, we are not only creating jobs but also positioning Nigeria as a global leader in cultural exports,” she said.
Practical Training for Lasting Impact
The program’s structure is designed to provide participants with a well-rounded understanding of the creative process. The six-week training will cover various aspects of visual storytelling, creative video content production, storyboarding, shooting, editing, motion graphics, and the application of AI in creative projects. Such an in-depth curriculum ensures that participants are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also gain practical experience that will prove invaluable in real-world settings.
To further drive excellence, a selected group of participants will be enrolled in an exclusive three-week in-person mentorship program. During this period, they will receive hands-on training from industry professionals and will be tasked with creating a high-quality visual content project. This will allow participants to showcase their newfound skills and apply their knowledge to practical challenges within the industry.
Fostering Innovation in Nigeria’s Creative Sector
Empowering Nigerian creatives with cutting-edge skills is critical to ensuring that the country continues to grow its influence in the global creative market. With the creative industries contributing significantly to the GDP and providing numerous job opportunities, the importance of investing in talent cannot be overstated. Google, through this initiative, is building upon its previous efforts in supporting African creatives, including the Black Voices Fund and the Made for You program, both of which have transformed the creative landscape across the continent.
According to Olumide Falegan, Manager of EMEA Music & Culture at Google SSA, the initiative aims to uplift Nigeria’s creative talent pool. He remarked, “This initiative is about recognizing and equipping the unsung heroes of our creative industries. By empowering these 2,500 professionals, and eventually 10,000 across Nigeria, we are investing in the future of Africa’s cultural influence and economic prosperity.”
Linus Idahosa, Executive Chairman and CEO of Del York Creative Academy, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the program. He emphasized that the training will bridge the gap between creative practitioners and corporate stakeholders, thereby fostering a new generation of creative entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Expanding Opportunities for Aspiring Creatives
This training program is a golden opportunity for young Nigerian creatives to access training and mentorship that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. With the creative industries rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and the growing demand for digital content, this initiative provides a much-needed platform for participants to thrive. The skills learned will not only increase their employability but also enable them to create innovative content that resonates globally.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by October 30th for the opportunity to participate in this life-changing program. The application process can be completed online at the Del York Creative Academy’s website.
Driving Economic Growth through Creativity
The FMACCE’s efforts to empower Nigerian creatives reflect the Ministry’s long-term strategy to use the arts and creative industries as tools for economic growth. As the Nigerian economy continues to diversify away from oil, the creative sector stands out as one of the fastest-growing industries, with enormous potential for job creation, cultural exchange, and foreign investment.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Google, and Del York Creative Academy represents a bold step toward empowering Nigerian creatives. Through the hands-on training provided by this program, participants will be equipped to drive innovation and economic growth, contributing to Nigeria’s rise as a global cultural powerhouse. This initiative not only supports the development of talent but also helps position Nigeria as a leader in the global creative economy.
Instagram Feed
Tap To Learn More!
