PRESS RELEASE
Artnovation centres on the fusion of heritage and innovation, creating a collaborative platform across art, fashion, poetry, music, design, food, and creative technology. It celebrates the creative brilliance of both nations while laying the foundation for future engagements, including participation at Milan Design Week 2026.
“When culture meets opportunity, economies grow. Ogun State’s creative economy holds immense potential to drive transformation—from heritage to livelihoods. Through Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance, we are deepening collaboration with Italy to unlock innovation, investment, and sustainable revenue…”
Lead Photo: Dr Boni, his wife, Gov Dapo Abiodun and Nike Okundaiye at the unveiling of the works
THE governments of Ogun and Lagos States, in collaboration with the Italian Government and the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI–Solution17), have reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging the creative economy as a strategic driver of cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and international collaboration through Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance (AAR).
The landmark first edition of Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance was held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Italian Consulate General in Lagos, convening senior government officials, diplomats, creatives, investors, and cultural leaders from Nigeria and Italy.
Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance is a flagship creative economy platform initiated by the Italian Consulate General in Lagos and CYCDI–Solution17, designed to promote innovation across the creative industries, deepen cross-cultural exchange, and unlock new economic opportunities through global partnerships. The initiative strengthens cultural diplomacy while expanding creative and economic ties between Nigeria and Italy.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to collaborate with the Italian Government and CYCDI–Solution17 to project Lagos’ creative excellence globally, while partnering with Italian creative entrepreneurs and institutions to amplify the Lagos story on the world stage.
At the same event, Ogun State formally endorsed Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance as a strategic platform for the transformation of the creative economy and international collaboration. The endorsement was announced by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Executive Governor of Ogun State, who described creativity as a powerful catalyst for inclusive economic development, job creation, tourism growth, and global relevance.
“When culture meets opportunity, economies grow. Ogun State’s creative economy holds immense potential to drive transformation—from heritage to livelihoods. Through Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance, we are deepening collaboration with Italy to unlock innovation, investment, and sustainable revenue,” the Governor stated.
Artnovation centres on the fusion of heritage and innovation, creating a collaborative platform across art, fashion, poetry, music, design, food, and creative technology. It celebrates the creative brilliance of both nations while laying the foundation for future engagements, including participation at Milan Design Week 2026.
Speaking on the initiative, the Consul General of Italy in Lagos, Mr Ugo Boni, stated:
“The AfroItalian Renaissance embodies the values of collaboration, creativity, and shared heritage between Italy and Nigeria. Hosting this inaugural edition at the Italian Consulate reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and supporting creative-led development across both nations.”
The initiative draws inspiration from the 14th-century Italian Renaissance, when cities such as Florence and Venice reshaped global art, fashion, poetry, and music, while recognising Nigeria’s own historic creative renaissance—from the Adire dye pits of Abeokuta and Osogbo, to the Benin bronze guilds, and cultural expressions such as the talking drum, highlife, and Afrobeat.
According to the CEO of CYCDI–Solution17 and Chief Curator of Artnovation, Ms Foluke Michael:
“Artnovation is not just an event; it is a cultural movement that unites continents. It opens pathways for trade, design, technology, tourism, and global collaboration. From Ogun and Lagos to Milan, Florence, and Rome, the AfroItalian Renaissance is positioning Nigeria’s creative economy on the global stage.”
Ms Michael further announced that Ogun State will be showcased at Milan Design Week 2026, providing global visibility for the State’s art, fashion, design, poetry, and music to an audience of over 400,000 participants, investors, institutions, and creatives.
The launch featured an Afro-Italian Art Exhibition by renowned master artist Tola Wewe, officially unveiled by Governor Dapo Abiodun, alongside an Afro-Italian Renaissance Runway, poetry narrations, musical fusion performances by Afrofusion artist Yega, and a high-level cultural exchange reception attended by Nigerian and Italian communities, diplomats, creative, and business leaders.
Artnovation – AfroItalian Renaissance represents more than an exhibition. It is a declaration that creativity is the new currency of unity, diplomacy, and sustainable development. The initiative is positioned to open new frontiers in trade, tourism, fashion, design, creative technology, and cultural exchange, marking a new era of strategic partnership between Nigeria and Italy.
From Ogun and Lagos to Milan, the AfroItalian Renaissance has begun.
