Suchet Baba Calls for Stronger Support for Creative Talent Beyond Lagos

Award-winning writer, painter and cultural entrepreneur Suchet Baba has urged stakeholders to broaden Nigeria’s creative landscape by investing in artistic communities outside Lagos, arguing that talent exists across the country but often lacks access to opportunities.Baba, founder and festival director of Arts and Vibes, said the nation’s creative future depends on building inclusive ecosystems where emerging artists can develop their skills, collaborate and gain wider recognition regardless of their location.She explained that the initiative was created to unlock the potential of creatives in underserved regions by connecting them with opportunities that have traditionally been concentrated in major urban centres.According to Baba, empowering local artists to tell stories rooted in their own communities will enrich Nigeria’s cultural identity while ensuring that diverse voices are represented on national and international stages.Beyond organising creative platforms, she said her work focuses on promoting underrepresented narratives through contemporary art, literature and storytelling, using culture as a tool for preserving heritage and inspiring social change.Her contributions to the creative sector have attracted international recognition. In 2023, she received the Prince Claus Fund Seed Award in partnership with the British Council, recognising her innovative work in strengthening community-based cultural initiatives.Baba also took part in the 2025 Atelier for Young Festival Managers in Chemnitz, Germany, where she joined cultural practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas on festival management and creative leadership.Her achievements extend to literature as well. In 2025, she was longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and shortlisted for the Alinea Prize in Nonfiction, reinforcing her reputation as a storyteller dedicated to presenting authentic African experiences.She maintained that expanding support for creative talent across Nigeria will not only strengthen the country’s cultural economy but also create opportunities for the next generation of artists to thrive on the global stage.