Alternative Heritage Residency
The French Embassy in Nigeria, in partnership with StoryMi and The Republic Magazine has launched a unique opportunity for emerging writers, photographers, and illustrators to explore and celebrate Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritages through diverse forms.
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Objective: This special issue of The Republic Magazine aims to create a thought-provoking and visually stunning magazine that showcases alternative perspectives on Nigerian heritage. “Heritages” can be defined as “Alternative” when being forgotten and facing long-term peril of disappearance, or because they represent recent creations by minority, marginalized, and/or protesting groups, institutions, and individuals. It can be monuments, but also language, religion, tradition, music, history… everything that makes Nigeria such a unique and diverse country in Africa.
Through this residency, we seek to amplify diverse voices and perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for our collective heritage.
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Program Details:
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Duration: 3 months (August - October)
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Location: One-week workshop residency in Ibadan (24th to 30th of August),
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2-month online mentorship sessions (September-October)
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Publication: Selected works will be featured in a special edition of The Republic Magazine, set for publication in December.
Meet the Instructors
Participants will work closely with these acclaimed professionals gaining valuable insights and guidance.
Andrew Esiebo is a visual storyteller who integrates Multimedia practice and artistry. His works have been published globally in Books, Magazines, and websites (The National Geographic, New York Times, Courrier International, Washington Post Financial Times, Guardian Online). He is considered one of the best African photojournalists of his generation.
Diana Ejaita is a Nigerian-Italian illustrator and textile designer. She lives between Berlin, Germany, and Lagos. In 2014, Ejaita started a fashion label, called WearYourMask, inspired by West African traditions and her Italo-Nigerian heritage. In 2019, she illustrated a Google Doodle commemorating the 119th birthday of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Ejaita has designed eight covers for The New Yorker and two covers for The Republic magazine.
Dipo Faloyin is a Senior editor and writer at VICE, where his work focuses on culture, race and identity across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. His writing has also featured in the Guardian, Esquire, Newsweek, Dazed and others. He was born in Chicago, raised in Lagos and currently lives in London. He’s the author of Africa is not a Country (Penguin Books).​
Meet the Participants
PHOTOGRAPHY
Aleruchi Kinika
Oyewole Lawal
Ahmad Abdullahi
WRITING
Ahmad Adedimeji
Emmanuel Azubuike
Judith Hassan
Gabriella Opara
Olaoluwa Olowu
ILLUSTRATION
Ukandi Atsu
Shalom Ojo
Obidike Arinze
Follow Our Journey
