The Ventures Platform–YSMA Futures Art Award
Open: March 19 – May 7, 2026
Duration: 7 weeks
Location of Installation: Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan‑Atlantic University
Award Prize: N7.5m
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), in partnership with Ventures Platform, is pleased to announce the inaugural Ventures Platform–YSMA Futures Art Award—a first‑of‑its‑kind national commission supporting the creation of a permanent, public‑facing outdoor sculpture that explores how creativity and technology are shaping the future with the sum of N7.5m.
This landmark award invites artists to propose experiential, interactive, or innovation‑driven sculptures designed specifically for outdoor display on the Pan‑Atlantic University campus. The commissioned work should engage the public, respond to its environment, and spark meaningful reflection about the forces—technological, cultural, environmental, and social—reshaping our world.
About the Award
Each year for next three years, an artist will receive support to design, produce, and install a major outdoor artwork. The selected work will become part of YSMA’s growing public art landscape and will be experienced by students, researchers, visitors, and the wider community for years to come.
The award offers:
- Funding of N7.5m covering artist fees, fabrication, installation, and documentation
- A permanent public site for the commissioned work
- Public programming opportunities around the unveiling
- Visibility through exhibitions, media features, and YSMA’s educational network
Theme & Creative Direction
Applicants are invited to propose works that respond to the broad theme of “Imagining the Future”
Proposals may explore, but are not limited to:
- Technology and society
- Artificial intelligence and human experience
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Urban futures and sustainability
- Digital culture and identity
- The social impact of emerging technologies in Nigeria and Africa
Interpretations of the theme are open and interdisciplinary.
Works must be engineered for long-term durability in an outdoor Nigerian environment (sun, humidity, heavy rains, wind all in consideration).
Eligibility
The call is open to:
- Nigerian artists
- Non-Nigerian Artists based in Nigeria
Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to execute a large‑scale outdoor artwork within the project timeline and budget.
Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Project Proposal (state materials, fabrication plan, durability and weather resistant considerations, max. 1,000 words)
- Concept Sketches / Visualisations
- Artist CV
- Portfolio or Documentation of Previous Work
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a joint committee of:
- YSMA curators and technical staff
- External experts in art, technology, architecture, or engineering
- Ventures Platform nominees
Shortlisted artists may be contacted for interviews or further clarification.
The final selection will be announced in June 2026, with installation and unveiling planned for later in the year.
How to Apply
All submissions must be made online through the museum’s website:
Visit the YSMA Application Portal: https://forms.gle/dfvc2AhEGfCS...
Application opens:
March 19, 2026
Application closes: May 7, 2026 (11:59 p.m. WAT)
Late submissions will not be accepted.
About the Partners
Ventures Platform is one of Africa’s leading early‑stage venture firms, backing founders who are solving key African challenges through innovation, creativity, and bold experimentation.
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan‑Atlantic University is Nigeria’s first purpose‑built university art museum, dedicated to public engagement, education, and expanding access to art across communities.
Enquiries
For questions or further information, please contact:
YSMA Public Programmes & Curatorial Office
Email: ysma@pau.edu.ng
Phone: +234 913 601 2439