Ego Boyo, born Nwakaego Nnamani on September 6, 1968, is a Nigerian actress, film producer, and entrepreneur. She is best known for her role as Anne Haatrope in the popular 1990s soap opera "Checkmate."
Boyo's career in the Nigerian film industry spans over three decades, and she has produced several critically acclaimed films, including "Violated" (1996), "A Hotel Called Memory" (2017), and "The Ghost and the House of Truth" (2019). She is the founder and Managing Director of Temple Productions, a film production company that has produced several award-winning films.
Boyo is also a philanthropist and an advocate for women's rights.
She is the founder of the Tempio Media Advocacy and Information Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting women's education and healthcare. She has also served as the president of the International Women's Society, a non-governmental organization that supports women and children.
Jahman Oladele Anikulapo is a leading Nigerian journalist, culture activist, art critic, and curator, renowned for his decades-long career advocating for the arts and culture sector. He has held prominent editorial positions, notably as Arts Editor at The Guardian, where his insightful writing and critical analysis have made him a respected voice in Nigerian arts journalism. Beyond journalism, Anikulapo is a tireless champion for cultural development, actively participating in initiatives, curating exhibitions, and organizing events to promote Nigerian heritage. He's a staunch advocate for artists and cultural organizations, consistently pushing for better policies and greater investment in the creative industries.
Anikulapo's influence extends to cultural policy and advocacy, where he's a vocal critic and a strong advocate for positive change. He has been instrumental in raising awareness about critical issues facing the arts sector and pushing for more effective policies. His deep understanding of the cultural landscape, combined with his commitment to supporting artists and mentoring young professionals, has solidified his position as a key figure in the Nigerian arts community. He continues to use his platform to champion the arts, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire creativity, earning him numerous accolades and recognition both nationally and internationally
Julian Caddy is a seasoned festival producer with experience dating back to 1996. He has worked with various festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe and Jongleurs Comedy tours. Notably, he served as the CEO of Brighton Fringe, which is the largest arts festival in England, held annually in May.
In addition to his work with established festivals, Caddy has also taken on new challenges, such as becoming the Festival Director for the Scarborough Fair Festival. In this role, he aims to engage the local creative community while also attracting artists from other regions, building upon the existing artistic landscape of the area.
Nadine Patel is a seasoned professional in the arts and higher education sectors, boasting over 25 years of experience in the UK and internationally. She currently serves as a Policy Adviser for the Specialist Institution Forum members and leads Conservatoires UK at Universities UK.
Her background includes training as a Sound Designer at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, followed by an MA in Arts Policy & Management from Birkbeck. Prior to her current role, she held significant positions such as Head of Partnerships & Programmes for the British Council's sub-Saharan Africa Arts Group, where she managed a £3.6 million project. She also contributed to the strategic development of the "Art Connects Us" program across 19 offices in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nadine has a proven track record of designing and implementing programs that support artists and arts organizations, fostering growth and opportunity. Her expertise extends to project management, research, and policy analysis within the creative sector.
Theo Lawson is a Nigerian architect, cultural entrepreneur, and advocate. He is known for his work in designing and developing cultural spaces, most notably Freedom Park in Lagos, Nigeria.
Lawson studied architecture at the Architectural Association School in London, where he explored both traditional African and modern design styles. After returning to Nigeria, he established Total Consult, a design and build practice that has worked on numerous commercial and residential projects.
In addition to his architectural work, Lawson is also a strong advocate for the arts and culture sector in Nigeria. He is the founder of the Creative Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.), a collaborative that focuses on developing innovative ideas for Lagos. This led to the creation of Freedom Park, a popular arts and culture space in Lagos that hosts various events and festivals.
Lawson's work demonstrates a commitment to blending architectural design with cultural preservation and development. He has also been involved in the development of other public spaces, including the Motherlan' Performance Centre and the University of Lagos Anniversary Park.
Fusi Olateru-Olagbegi is a seasoned thought leader with over 15+ years of cultural and creative industry experience providing strategy, curating and delivering programs across the creative industries landscape in Africa.
He pioneered the Lagos Theatre Festival, the largest theatre festival in West Africa, which created the platform that launched many industry practitioners.
He is the Founder of Griot Global, a leading technology and creative industry organisation that supports the ecosystem through community building and consultancy services.