The Outset Partners Grants Programme 2023 awarded an Impact Award to the Yinka Shonibare Foundation. Their project titled Re:assemblages is a roaming body and programme initiated by G.A.S. Foundation in Lagos that explores its newly acquired archive collection of African publications as a site of exchange. It will foster new publishing actions on African art in three continents through artistic interventions, residencies, experimental printing and convenings developed in the framework of the African Art Libraries Lab. The new network will bring together a constellation of African arts libraries, artists, publishers and international partners holding African art collections.
Building on the archaeological concept of the assemblage, Re:assemblages activates the Picton Collection, with emphasis on its rare constellation of African published journals, magazines, and manuscripts, to pose new critical questions focused on the preservation and creative potential of African art libraries.
Belinda Holden, Director of G.A.S. Foundation said:
“We are honoured to be a recipient of the 2024 Outset Impact Award. Following the establishment of a library at G.A.S. Foundation as a crucial resource for both the visiting and local arts community, we are delighted to introduce Re:assemblages. The rare books, pamphlets, and magazines represent a treasure trove of cultural knowledge. The award empowers us to expand our residency programme by introducing reading, research and publishing residencies. The project will provide a space of encounter and exchange for conversations, debate and critical thinking around African Arts Libraries and Collections. G.A.S. Foundation’s mission to support artistic experimentation and transcultural exchange will influence the direction of Re:assemblages. With the support of Outset, we will harvest future seeds for the multi-year activation programme and its annual symposium.”
