The city of Enugu became a vibrant canvas of creativity and inspiration as ARTBurst, a Creative Arts Summit organized by GEANCO Foundation, brought together young, talented girls who are beneficiaries of the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls Program.
Designed to nurture artistic talents, ignite imagination, and build confidence, the summit which was held from January 31st to February 1st, 2025, provided a rare opportunity for these girls to engage in an immersive creative experience.
Through hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and panel discussions, they were positioned to embrace their artistic abilities and dream beyond their circumstances.
A Star-Studded Event with a Powerful Mission
A defining moment of ARTBurst was the presence of David Oyelowo, the internationally celebrated British-American actor, director, and producer, alongside his wife, Jessica Oyelowo, a multi-talented artist and storyteller. Afam Onyema, CEO and Co-Founder of GEANCO Foundation, also joined them on this transformative journey.
David Oyelowo shared a profound message with the participants, emphasizing that creativity is not just about making art—it is a tool for resilience, innovation, and self-expression. He reminded the girls that, despite the challenges they face, they have the power to shape their futures.
“The culture in Nigeria does not necessarily celebrate Art because it is not deemed a path to financial success. What we are trying to teach these girls is that attending workshops on digital art, music/ choreography, painting, skit making, or photography does not mean they will go on to do these things professionally. Rather, it opens up the aperture of what is possible” he said.
Jessica Oyelowo reinforced this message, offering the girls a heartfelt pep talk about overcoming fear, embracing individuality, and using creativity as a force for good.
A Dynamic Learning Experience
The summit was an explosion of creativity, offering carefully curated activities that catered to a wide range of artistic interests:
Panel Discussions with Industry Experts: Participants gained insight into the realities of the creative industry, learning from professionals who shared their experiences, challenges, and career advice.
Hands-On Creative Workshops: From digital art and painting to skit making, photography, AI-driven video production, music, and choreography, the girls explored different art forms, enhancing their technical and storytelling skills.
Mentorship & Networking: One-on-one mentorship sessions allowed participants to engage with the hollywood stars, ask questions, and receive guidance on how to navigate their creative paths. Each session encouraged experimentation, collaboration, and self-discovery, helping the girls refine their skills while also exploring new creative possibilities.
A Celebration of Talent and Personal Growth
Beyond the structured sessions, ARTBurst was a space for self-expression, connection, and empowerment. Many of these young girls walked into the summit unsure of their abilities—but by the end, they had gained not just skills, but also a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.
They found a community of like-minded creatives, built friendships, and realized that their dreams were within reach.
One participant reflected, “Before ARTBurst, I didn’t believe I could draw. But now, I know that I have something special to offer. I feel inspired to keep creating and telling my own story.”
The Beginning of a New Chapter
As the summit came to a close, it was clear that ARTBurst was not just an event, it was a life-changing experience. These girls left with newfound courage, sharpened skills, and a support system that will continue to uplift them in their artistic and personal journeys.
Through the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls and GEANCO Foundation, this initiative is paving the way for a new generation of creative young women. The impact of ARTBurst will extend far beyond these two days, as these girls continue to explore, create, and inspire others with their talents.