Africa Creative Market 2022 ushers in new phase for continent’s creative industry

In a spectacular and groundbreaking revelation, the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2022 has ushered in a transformative phase for Africa's dynamic creative industry. The maiden edition of this artistic extravaganza unfolded its vibrant tapestry in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria's bustling commercial capital and a nucleus of innovation across the continent. Blossoming across the stunning venues of Landmark Event Center and the illustrious Lagos Continental Hotel, this series of events orchestrated a remarkable convergence of Africa's ingenious minds, gathering them in a single forum that teemed with boundless opportunities. The grand canvas painted by ACM 2022 offered creatives a chance to not only enhance their skills and enrich their industry knowledge, but also to unveil a portal to the essential realm of funding. With an encompassing embrace, ACM 2022 cast its luminous spotlight across various sectors within the vast spectrum of the creative industry. From the realms of film & TV, music, dance, photography, to the pulsating heart of fashion, every facet of creative expression found its place in this transformative narrative. Partners of extraordinary stature within each domain curated unforgettable experiences and presented a profusion of avenues for the artistic souls dwelling within.

Under the expert guidance of industry luminaries, the event unfurled a tapestry of insights that encompassed the essence of marketing as an intrinsic way of life and the cornerstone of brand evolution. These enriching dialogues revolved around equipping African creatives with the precise initiatives, strategies, and processes to craft and elevate their brands, allowing them to radiate with distinction in a bustling market. The Africa Creative Market stands as a unifying platform, embracing talents and stakeholders from all corners of Africa's creative realm. Conceived with the noble intent of nurturing an exchange of value, ideas, creativity, and perspectives between Africa's creative community and the global stage, this visionary initiative breathes life into the aspirations of countless visionaries. This endeavor, meticulously crafted by its creators, serves as a conduit for bridging the gap, empowering creatives to ascend to new heights. At its core, the ACM platform unfurls the blueprint for erecting commercially robust and sustainable business models, forming the cornerstone of its empowering mission.

“ With this market, we are creating infrastructures for more musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, or dancers to have sustainable economic situations while doing their craft and living with their unique talents and scaling that business while taking it global, ” Nicole Ackermann, co-founder, Africa Creative Market. Stepping into the limelight, Inya Lawal, the visionary founder of ACM, underlined the paramount significance of recognizing one's intrinsic value and unique talents. In her profound wisdom, she also stressed the crucial task of unraveling one's life purpose within the vast tapestry of both personal and professional spheres. Addressing a distinguished audience at an opulent breakfast event designed to honor his presence, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the revered Ooni of Ife and esteemed grand patron of the Africa Creative Market, echoed a resounding truth: "creativity knows no bounds." With fervor in his words, he pledged unwavering support for the nurturing of the creative industry. A tapestry of internationally acclaimed joint ventures, flourishing under the Africa Creative Network, would be his canvas to facilitate this growth. The grand stage of the Africa Creative Market 2022 came alive with a kaleidoscope of activities.

From spirited pitch competitions and enlightening funding sessions to thought-provoking panel discussions led by industry titans, the event pulsated with innovation. Networking flourished, professionals illuminated paths in transformative capacity-building programs, and the runway dazzled with the YD Company's stunning fashion EVO show. The rhythmic cadence of Kaffy's dance, the magnetic presence of Falz the Bad Guy at the MTV Base spotlight concert, and an awe-inspiring art exhibition hosted by Lagos Continental Hotel and 543 Luxury Privé painted a mesmerizing tapestry of experiences. In a harmonious convergence of visionary endeavors, the Africa Creative Market 2022 was a gracious host to two notable events. The bi-annual Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) Summit found its abode within this creative symposium, as did the illustrious third edition of the Business of Photography Conference, a haven for visual artists to forge powerful connections. As the curtains descended on this momentous spectacle, the triumvirate of Africa Creative Market founders — Inya Lawal, Bada Akintunde Johnson, and Nicole Ackermann — came forth with heartfelt gratitude. Their accolades extended to partners, media magnates, exhibitors, vendors, and every cog in the wheel who dedicated their resources, time, and energy to ensure the triumph of this debut showcase. The ACM emerged not merely as an event but as a living, breathing platform poised to unfurl unending global vistas for creatives. Amid the luminous gathering, notable figures graced the stage with their presence. The radiant Chioma Ude, founder of the Africa International Film Festival, and the illustrious filmmaker Nicole Jefferson adorned the panels with their insights. Bright Wonder Obasi, the visionary founder and CEO of High Definition Film Academy & Studio, ignited the master class for budding and seasoned filmmakers alike, embarking on a journey of enlightenment. In the heart of it all, the Africa Creative Market stood as a testament to the boundless potential of creativity, a tapestry woven with threads of passion, wisdom, and innovation.