Mandag UniArts FAPI CCS Lagos

UNIARTS x CCA Lagos

 

Change Vision: A model for the future of higher arts education
Projects between Africa and Europe are still mostly with former colonial partners. That’s why both people and institutions are looking critically at and questioning the structure of such collaborations. The Nordics, especially Finland, are uniquely positioned to take a credible, leading role in developing and modelling post-colonial partnerships that strive for greater equality.  Unlike existing low-residency MFAs, who often operate within established power-bases and capitals of arts, this Finnish/Pan-African pilot bridges two marginalised regions and engages partners across urban/rural divides, providing both with significant added value.

Action
Arts education faces significant challenges, from outdated funding models to the climate crisis. This pilot program, a collaboration between UNIARTS and CCA, was designed to address these issues by reimagining the role of art and artists in the world. To communicate the program’s vision and secure its future, Måndag conducted workshops with artists, curators, and educators from both Finland and Africa. Together, they distilled their shared learnings into a compelling narrative, inspiring stakeholders, sparking new collaborations, and attracting value-aligned funders.

Impact
This program demonstrates how art can bridge divides and foster a deeper understanding of how others think, feel, and live. Bringing peripheral perspectives to the forefront enables new forms of planetary thinking, creates social value for underappreciated regions, and positions Finland and the Nordics as pioneers of post-colonial partnerships.
The pilot not only strengthens higher arts education but also makes Finland a leading partner for regions reckoning with colonial structures. Currently focused on Pan-African collaboration, the model has the potential to expand, fostering equitable partnerships with regions such as India, Latin America, and beyond – creating a more connected, inclusive future for global arts education.