CREATIVITY

HIVE 2025: UK-NIGERIAN FILMMAKER SPARKS CREATIVE REBIRTH IN UYO 

By Julius Nsikak, Uyo

In a vibrant fusion of creativity, culture, and innovation, UK-based Nigerian filmmaker and talented artist, Godwin Nicholas, has set the stage for a visual renaissance in Akwa Ibom State, empowering 17 exceptional visual artists during a transformative one-week workshop tagged Hive 2025: A Culture of Rebirth.

Held recently, the immersive training and mentorship programme culminated in a grand exhibition at Breakfort Hotel, Uyo, drawing attention from art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and creative stakeholders.

More than just a workshop, Hive 2025 was an incubator of vision, designed to spark new dimensions in contemporary artistic expression. The initiative, powered by Nicholas’ deep-rooted commitment to cultural development and global artistic engagement, offered participants intensive studio sessions, collaborative projects, and access to cutting-edge artistic tools, including digital storytelling, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.

According to him, “the idea behind Hive was born out of a curious act of finding ways to impact societies.

As an artist, I understand the struggle of putting work out there. That’s why I created this platform, to help others stand out, unapologetically.”

Though originally designed for 18 to 25 artists, only 17 were finally admitted, having demonstrated extraordinary potential, creativity, and dedication.

Throughout the programme, participants were mentored by a network of seasoned facilitators from within and outside Akwa Ibom, engaging in peer-to-peer learning and conceptual exploration. But Hive 2025 was not just about technique, it was about transformation.

“This project is about awakening the artist’s mindset,” Nicholas asserted. “We want them to see the value in their work regardless of where they are on their creative journey.”

The workshop also explored the essential role of human connection in artistic communication. The multicultural artist, Nicholas remarked that while technical skill is vital, authentic communication and collaboration elevate creative expression to a global conversation.

“It is not just about communication, but it is about the people involved in it. We encouraged participants to promote their art both offline and online as part of a broader cultural dialogue,” he added.

As part of the programme’s climax, awards were presented to top-performing participants in both personal and collaborative categories.

Furthermore, Mrs. Ukemeobong Isidore emerged the overall winner, clinching the grand prize of ₦100,000 for her personal project. She was followed by Miss Stella and Mr Otobong Akpan, who secured the second and third prizes of ₦50,000 and ₦30,000, respectively.

In the collaborative project category, Heritage Group took first place honours, with Transcendent Group and Memories Group finishing second and third.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mrs Isidore expressed heartfelt thanks to the organisers for creating such a rare platform.

“This workshop has reshaped the way I perceive and present my craft. I now feel ready and so recharged to place my work before the world with boldness and clarity,” she said.

Moving on, Nicholas revealed plans to establish a structured mentorship network, enabling participants to maintain contact with facilitators for ongoing feedback and guidance.

With an ambitious vision to build a network of over 5,000 empowered artists by the end of 2025, Hive 2025 aims to not only foster creative excellence but also stimulate art-driven tourism, bolster the local economy, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

In a time when Nigeria’s creative industry yearns for visibility and support, Hive 2025 has proven that with the right vision and structure, a cultural rebirth is not just possible, it is already unfolding.