CREATIVE

UK-NIGERIAN FILMMAKER GODWIN NICHOLAS BUILDS GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR YOUNG NIG ARTISTS THROUGH 'HIVE 2025'

By Julius Nsikak 

Uyo, Nigeria — UK-based Nigerian filmmaker and successful artist, Godwin Nicholas, has unveiled a bold initiative aimed at nurturing a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian artists through his platform, Hive.

Speaking to journalists in Uyo at the ongoing Hive 2025 Workshop held at Concave, Nicholas shared his vision of creating a vibrant and inclusive community that empowers emerging creatives from across Nigeria’s diverse artistic spectrum. 

The week-long event, which commenced on Tuesday, 1 July and runs until 8 July 2025, brings together aspiring talents for immersive training, mentorship, and creative collaboration.

“Hive 2025 is designed to awaken the artist’s mindset,” Nicholas stated, “and to help them see the value in their work at any stage, regardless of where they currently stand in their creative journey.”

Nicholas, who has made his mark internationally as a filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist, emphasised the need for young creatives to embrace evolving technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, highlighting their potential to transform and elevate artistic expression.

He explained that Hive will serve as a springboard for artists, offering not only resources and mentorship but also collaborative opportunities that sharpen skills and build confidence. The project aims to ignite community participation in the arts, promoting a deep sense of pride and belonging.

In addition to fostering contemporary artistic practices, the initiative is also focused on preserving and evolving traditional Nigerian art forms. Hive seeks to blend these rich heritages with modern techniques, thereby safeguarding cultural continuity while opening doors for international recognition.

“Our goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding. Hive will stimulate the local economy through art-related tourism and create pathways for local artists to showcase their work on global platforms," Nicholas noted.

Driven by a passion to tell authentic, resonant stories, Nicholas envisions a thriving artistic community, one that is self-assured, self-reliant, and unafraid to innovate.

“In a few years, I want to see a community of artists who trust in their work, who no longer wait for external validation. Artists who know they are writers, painters, and great performers, regardless of their current situation,” he said.

Nicholas further disclosed that Hive will continue to surface regularly, providing opportunities for artists to connect, inspire one another, and develop their personal brands.

To enhance visibility, he urged creatives to stay active online. “Keep posting your work on social media. Keep showing up. A better offer will surely come—along with the right recommendations,” he advised.

Notably, Hive 2025 has participants from Akwa Ibom State, among other States of the Federation in attendance.