LONDON.- Piloting in spring 2016, Future Assembly is a new, London-based professional development platform for emerging artists from Africa and its Diaspora. Conceived and developed by curator Hansi Momodu-Gordon and supported by Arts Council England, Future Assembly aims to build a reputable alumnus of artists who will invigorate local and international art scenes with new perspectives. Momodu-Gordon says, “In the UK it is essential that experimental, non-profit driven opportunities are afforded to artists from Africa and it’s Diaspora. Future Assembly supports an artist at a critical moment in their career by allowing space to test ideas and learn new skills through interaction, discourse and showcasing.”

Alternating between artists based in Africa and Diaspora artists in England, Future Assembly provides the selected artist with a bespoke four-week residency and the opportunity to hold a first solo exhibition in London. The residency programme will develop practical skills and conceptual thinking in response to each artist’s specific areas of need and interests, whilst a public programme featuring events organised in conjunction with TrAIN at University of the Arts London and Autograph ABP will offer the opportunity for wider public engagement. Paul Goodwin, Director of TrAIN says, “transnational exchange and dialogue is at the heart of Future Assembly and I’m excited to see new connections between artists living in Africa and those based here in the UK being nurtured by this dynamic programme.”

Future Assembly will create multiple layers of connection and an opportunity for arts professionals in England to extend their network of artists from Africa and its Diaspora. Conceived as a mutually beneficial platform, during the residency artists, curators and academics will engage with the invited artist in one to one conversation. Azu Nwagbogu, Director of the African Artists’ Foundation and partner of Future Assembly says, “for contemporary artists working on the continent today, the conversation and discourse has become increasingly global as the world shrinks around us. Future Assembly offers emerging artists from Africa an opportunity to engage and test their ideas in a wider context amongst their peers.”

The first Future Assembly residency programme begins in London in April 2016. The project culminates with the opening of a solo exhibition at Deptford gallery News of the World, introducing new work to London audiences and placing Future Assembly at the heart of one of London’s most exciting art scenes. The inaugural artist, selected in partnership with the AAF is Lagos-based photographer Logo Oluwamuyiwa. The artist says, "the Future Assembly residency will be totally different from any comfort zone that I have existed in as an artist. I am looking forward to new discoveries and knowledge from the process, and to incorporating these into my art."