Co-Cr8 Cross-Disciplinary Artist Residency Program

About Co-Cr8

Co-Cr8 is a four-week experimental cross-disciplinary residency initiative that brings together six artists of varying disciplines including but not restricted to fashion design, photography, painting, textile design, dance, and poetry.

The primary objective is to nurture collaboration and the creation of new works centered around the themes of history, identity, climate emergency, and the exploration of imaginative possibilities drawing from the broader festival theme, “From Whence We Came”. As part of its mission, Co-Cr8 facilitates meaningful interactions between artists and the local community.

The outcome of these collaborative endeavours will be exhibited at the upcoming 5th edition of the Kaduna Fashion and Art Exhibition (KAFART).Collaborations can take the form of pairs or trios, facilitating a rich and diverse exchange of ideas and skills.

The genesis of this residency initiative arises from the desire to forge new connections amongst artists of different disciplines to create new works and projects. This residency was informed by the outcome of previous editions of KAFART where the establishment of authentic connections between creatives from various disciplines during the festival was found lacking.

Co-Cr8 aims to bridge this gap by providing a dedicated space and time for artists to come together, collaborate, and produce work that transcends traditional boundaries. Through workshops, story exchanges, visits to historic sites & artisanal communities, the residency will be an avenue of not just collective exploration of various possibilities but also provide opportunities for artistic development. By merging the talents of creators from diverse backgrounds, Co-Cr8 seeks to not only address past limitations but also set the stage for a truly interconnected and enriching artistic experience, catalyzing a new movement in the community.

‘The Co-Cr8 Residency Program is made possible by the African Culture Fund, Mali with technical support from Atelier Ndokette , Senegal and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria

Objectives

The project aims to nurture collaboration among artists, fashion designers, photographers, poets, dancers, and writers, fostering the creation of new works that delve into themes of history, identity, and the climate emergency. By positioning art and fashion as mediums for re-examining our past, the project encourages a collective questioning of where we are headed as a society, country, region, and continent. This process not only deepens creative expression but also prompts meaningful reflection on the cultural, historical, and environmental challenges we face.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to expand the networks of local artists and fashion designers, connecting them with broader communities both locally and internationally. Through thought-provoking discussions and diverse artistic perspectives, it will create a platform for dialogue around societal and environmental issues. Ultimately, this movement aspires to inspire new artistic practices, positioning the community as a center of creativity that can influence and impact other regions.