By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University has announced a landmark three-year collaboration with Ventures Platform, aimed at blending public art, innovation, and entrepreneurial learning to empower the next generation of Nigerian innovators.
The partnership, unveiled as part of Ventures Platform’s 10th anniversary, will run from 2026 and is built on two major pillars: a university-wide student engagement programme and a national public art commissioning initiative known as the Ventures Platform–YSMA Futures Art Award.
Empowering Future Entrepreneurs
At the core of the collaboration is a structured student engagement programme integrated into the university’s academic ecosystem.
Through guest lectures, masterclasses, and hands-on sessions, Ventures Platform will provide students with direct access to experienced investors and business operators.
The initiative is designed to move beyond theoretical learning by equipping students with practical insights into building scalable ventures and navigating real-world entrepreneurial challenges.
YSMA will facilitate this component within the university, reinforcing its role in supporting interdisciplinary learning through its established Object-Based Learning model and academic engagement initiatives.
Futures Art Award Takes Centre Stage
Complementing the educational programme is the Ventures Platform–YSMA Futures Art Award, an annual initiative focused on commissioning large-scale, public-facing sculptures.
Each year, one artist will receive ₦10 million to create a permanent outdoor installation within the YSMA sculpture garden and campus environment.
The award encourages artists to explore themes of innovation, the future, and public engagement through experiential and technology-driven works.
Organisers say the initiative underscores the importance of creativity and cultural imagination in shaping entrepreneurial ambition, while fostering curiosity, bold thinking, and innovation.
Stakeholders Highlight Vision
Founder and General Partner of Ventures Platform, Kola Aina, described the collaboration as a strategic effort to nurture future innovators.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to designing environments where the next generation of founders can emerge — equipped with clarity, capability, and conviction to build for the future,” he said.
Museum Director, Jess Castellote, emphasized the evolving role of museums in shaping contemporary discourse.
“Museums are not just spaces for preserving the past, but platforms for shaping the future through public engagement,” he noted.
Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Enase Okonedo, also commended the initiative, stating that it aligns with the institution’s commitment to experiential and interdisciplinary education.
Call for Applications
Applications for the Futures Art Award open on April 2, 2026, and close on May 18, 2026. The six-week window invites both Nigerian and non-Nigerian artists based in Nigeria, particularly those working in sculpture and installation.
Selected works are expected to be experiential, participatory, and designed with durable materials suitable for long-term outdoor display.
The organisers encouraged interested artists and students to apply through the museum’s official platform for detailed guidelines and submission requirements.
