Black At, a worldwide initiative focused on empowering creators and businesses of Black or African descent in the advertising, media, creative arts, and entertainment fields, is thrilled to announce The Bigger Picture: This is Lagos. This two-day event will be held on November 20th and 21st, 2024, at the Alliance Française de Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre.

The event aims to unite key players from the Advertising, Media, Creative, and Entertainment sectors to share insights about Black At's mission: to train one million Nigerians and create pathways for over 10 million Black creatives through financial access, training, mentorship, and facilitating the participation of advertising agencies in global events, as well as securing partnerships and funding from banking and venture capital sectors.

The Lagos edition of The Bigger Picture Series, scheduled for November 20th, will also serve as the pre-seed launch for Blkat.io, a digital platform aimed at connecting, empowering, and transforming Black and African creators by offering access to financial resources, training, and mentorship.

A significant highlight of the event will be the introduction of the African Creative Fund, an initiative designed to provide grants, loans, and financial support to assist creators in scaling their businesses and artistic projects. "We are committed to fostering the growth of Black creativity. Our creativity transcends continents and knows no borders or languages because Blackness is Global. 

We are establishing a global community of Black creators, with Nigeria as our launchpad," stated Peter Ukhurebor, co-founder of Black At. "Through the Blkat.io platform and the integration of AI, we aim to ensure sustainable access to funding, mentorship, and global partnerships, setting new standards for the Black and African creative industry."

On November 20th, the first day of the event will feature an engaging agenda that includes panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities with prominent figures from the advertising, media, music, film, and finance industries. The conversations will delve into the transformative impact of advertising, the significance of investing in creativity, and the interplay of music, comedy, and film, as well as the relationship dynamics between clients and agencies.

Additionally, the event will emphasize how African businesses can evolve from simply selling products to fulfilling human needs, paving the way for sustainable brand success. The second day, November 21st, will host an exclusive assembly of industry experts from music, film, fashion, and art, in partnership with Martell and the Bank of Industry. This session aims to provide in-depth insights into nurturing creative collaborations and expanding talent on a global scale.

“Effective collaborations and strategic investments are crucial for advancing Nigerian creatives into the global arena,” stated Mrs. Uche Cynthia Nwuka, General Manager of the Bank of Industry. “Establishing a robust cultural brand that honors artistic heritage while leveraging contemporary digital platforms will create new global opportunities.”

Obi Asika, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, highlighted the significance of the African Creative Fund, noting, “Nigeria's creative economy is thriving, with Nollywood, Afrobeats, literature, and fashion leading the way in global engagement. The government is dedicated to enhancing our soft power to promote sustainable growth and international prominence.”

The event recognizes collaborations with key industry players, such as the Bank of Industry, Martell, the National Council for Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy along with its Destination 2030 Initiative, Omniverse, Marketing Edge, and Nigerian Breweries.

“The Bigger Picture: This is Lagos” represents a vital advancement in harnessing the potential of Black and African creatives, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a significant force in the global creative economy.

For more information visit our website- www.blkat.io.