The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University has announced a landmark three-year partnership with Ventures Platform, one of Africa’s leading early-stage venture capital firms, in a move set to reshape the intersection of art, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The collaboration, unveiled as part of Ventures Platform’s 10th anniversary, introduces two major initiatives to empower the next generation of Nigerian thinkers, creators, and entrepreneurs.
At the core of the partnership is a university-wide student engagement programme designed to strengthen entrepreneurial development within the Pan-Atlantic University ecosystem. Through guest lectures, masterclasses, and practical sessions, students will gain direct access to experienced investors and operators from Ventures Platform.
The programme is structured to provide hands-on insights into building scalable ventures and navigating real-world business challenges, moving beyond traditional classroom learning. Facilitated by YSMA, the initiative also aligns with the university’s commitment to experiential and interdisciplinary education.
Complementing the educational component is the launch of the Ventures Platform–YSMA Futures Art Award, a pioneering public art initiative focused on innovation and forward-thinking creativity.
The award will support the annual commissioning of large-scale, public-facing sculptures, with selected artists receiving ₦10 million each year to develop permanent outdoor installations within the YSMA sculpture garden and campus environment.
Organisers say the initiative is designed to encourage bold artistic expression while reinforcing the role of creativity in shaping innovation and entrepreneurial ambition.
Speaking on the collaboration, Founder and General Partner of Ventures Platform, Kola Aina, said the initiative reflects a long-term vision of building environments that nurture both imagination and execution.
Museum Director Jess Castellote highlighted the importance of positioning museums as active platforms for shaping the future, noting that the partnership creates new opportunities for artists, students, and the public to engage with transformative ideas.
Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Enase Okonedo, also praised the initiative, describing it as a significant step in advancing experiential learning and preparing students with both creative and entrepreneurial skills.
Applications for the Futures Art Award open on April 2, 2026, and close on May 18, 2026. The programme is open to artists based in Nigeria working in sculpture and installation, with a focus on experiential and technology-driven public art.
How to apply: Visit museum.pau.edu.ng/
The partnership underscores a growing recognition that innovation thrives at the intersection of creativity, culture, and enterprise—positioning both YSMA and Ventures Platform at the forefront of this evolving landscape.
