Workshop - Beading our Stories

Between 14 and 19 April, IFRA-Nigeria, in collaboration with the New Culture Studio, held an artistic workshop on "Beading our stories". It featured a diverse range of activities each day for nine selected participants, including photographers, researchers, and artists. This event is part of our Alternative Heritages project, which aims to highlight the diversity of Nigerian culture. Scroll below to learn more and see some pictures of the event!

On the first day, Femi Olanrewaju, researcher IFRA-Nigeria and co-coordinator of the Alternative Heritages project, conducted a session introducing participants to the spirituality of beads and the fundamentals of report writing. The second day featured Ayodele Olofintuade, a researcher and archivist, who guided participants through the intricacies of African beading, highlighting its language, identity, and cultural significance. On the third day, Adejumoke Olowowaste, who operates a waste museum, demonstrated how everyday discarded materials can be repurposed as raw materials for bead-making, thereby promoting sustainability. On the final day, Amber Sijuade, an art curator, explored the development of art through beading alongside Adedare Olufere, an artist, who offered insights into creating beading artwork.

The final day of the workshop was specially designed for children as part of the Ibadan Ola program. Fifteen children attended, and the nine participants from the workshop took on the role of facilitators, sharing their experiences in a manner that was engaging and comprehensible for the young audience.