Venture capital, academia unite to reshape public art

A landmark intersection of venture capital and academia was established on Thursday as a new three-year partnership was announced to redefine the landscape of public art and entrepreneurial learning in Nigeria.

The collaboration, a joint initiative between the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art and Ventures Platform, introduces a first-of-its-kind national art commission, the Ventures Platform–YSMA Futures Art Award, alongside a university-wide entrepreneurship engagement programme at Pan-Atlantic University.

At the centre of the announcement is a N10m annual grant awarded to a selected artist to develop permanent, large-scale outdoor works that explore themes of innovation and the future.

The initiative is designed to move beyond traditional boundaries, blending the world of high-growth venture capital with creative expression.

The Founder and General Partner at Ventures Platform, Kola Aina, emphasised the role of vision in problem-solving, stating that progress is driven as much by imagination as it is by execution.

He noted that as the firm marks its 10th anniversary, this initiative reflects a commitment to intentionally designing environments where the next generation of founders can emerge equipped with the clarity and conviction to build for the future.

The Director of YSMA, Jess Castellote, noted that the partnership transforms the museum into a laboratory for the future rather than just a repository for the past. He expressed his belief that museums are platforms for shaping the future through public engagement, noting that the Futures Art Award empowers artists to experiment at a significant scale while the educational component strengthens the museum’s commitment to the experiential learning vision of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Enase Okonedo, highlighted the academic impact, stressing the importance of producing graduates who are both analytical and creative. She commended the initiative for speaking directly to the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary education, creating a meaningful pathway for students to engage with industry leaders while exposing them to the critical thinking that drives global innovation.

The partnership extends deep into the PAU curriculum, ensuring that the collaboration goes far beyond the museum’s walls. Starting in 2026, Ventures Platform will lead masterclasses and practical sessions, giving students direct access to experienced investors and operators. This “Object-Based Learning” approach aims to provide practical insights into building scalable ventures, moving beyond theoretical classroom instruction to navigate real-world entrepreneurial challenges.

The organisers have now officially opened the call for entries for the Futures Art Award, which is available to both Nigerian and non-Nigerian artists based in the country who specialise in sculpture and installation. The selection committee is specifically seeking technology-informed, weather-resistant works that encourage public interaction and experiential engagement. The selected artist will receive the N10m prize to fund the development of a permanent outdoor work within the YSMA sculpture garden.