British Council Nigeria is delighted to announce artist, Lanre Lawal as winner of Your Ad Here competition. Your Ad Here is a project exploring the relationship between advertising and daily life in the city of Lagos. In addition to his winning entry going live on 2 May, 2016 on a billboard at the Third Mainland Bridge Ring Road in Lagos, Lawal will receive a cash prize to support his art practice. Lawal’s ‘Generatorpolis’, three commissioned pieces, and entries from the runners- up will be exhibited at A Whitespace Lagos from 13 May to 20 May, 2016.

The runners-up in the competition include Adeola Olagunju, Chris Iduma, Falodun Oluwafemi, Femi Morakinyo, Joseph Audu, Logo Oluwamuyiwa, Michael Adediji, Oladoyin Akinwunmiju, and Solomon Eko.

Previously in Your Ad Here project, commissioned by Create London and A Whitespace Creative Agency (AWCA) in Nigeria, artists Karo Akpokiere (Nigeria and Germany), Matt Stokes (UK) and Nick Waplington (UK and US) developed three new works that brought art into the public space.

“There were lots of fantastic entries submitted for the competition and we’re pleased to showcase Lawal’s ‘Generatorpolis’ on a billboard boosting awareness around programming work in public spaces and visual arts in Lagos one of the biggest cities in Nigeria,” said Ojoma Ochai, Director of Arts, British Council Nigeria.

Create Curator, Marijke Steedman spoke about the project saying: “This ambitious project triggered new relationships and conversations between creative practitioners and organisations in Nigeria and the UK. Together, British and Nigerian practitioners have been able to explore questions about the place for art in cities, and in particular, the role of the public sphere in bringing art to new audiences in Nigeria… it follows Create’s inaugural Your Ad Here commissioned in London’s Olympic Park in 2014.”

Malaika Toyo, Head of Strategy and Projects, AWCA gave his comments on the competition saying: “Sharing these artworks on billboards highlights our commitment to building more inclusive communities through the arts. A big well done to all those who participated in the competition. We are honoured to be showcasing 10 of the 41 entries at A Whitespace Lagos from Friday, May 13, 2016. This exhibition starts at 6pm, and is open to all.”

Funded by the British Council, Your Ad Here is part of UK/Nigeria 2015–16, a major season of arts in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships between the UK and Nigeria.