Ep 8. Lagos: Artists Provoking Debate

Resilient Cities is a TV series that explores the challenges and solutions to building sustainable and resilient cities around the world. In the eighth episode of season one, titled Lagos: Artists Provoking Debate, the show focuses on the metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria.

Lagos is a city of over 20 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in Africa. With rapid urbanization, the city has faced numerous challenges, including traffic congestion, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure, among others. However, the show highlights how artists in Lagos are using their creativity to provoke thought and debate about issues affecting the city.

The episode starts by introducing the audience to some of the artists in Lagos who use various forms of art, such as photography, painting, and performance, to tackle social and political issues. One of the artists featured is a photographer who captures the beauty and the challenges of the city, while another artist makes political statements through his paintings.

The show also delves into how these artists use their platforms to engage the public in conversations about issues affecting the city, such as the impact of urbanization on the environment and socioeconomic inequalities. One of the artists stages a performance in a busy market, where she raises awareness on the displacement of communities due to urban renewal projects.

Throughout the episode, the audience gets a glimpse of the art scene in Lagos and how it is shaping the city's cultural landscape. The episode also features interviews with experts who discuss the role of art in creating resilient cities and how it can be used to address social, economic, and environmental issues.

Furthermore, Resilient Cities also shows how the art scene is providing job opportunities and empowering youths in the city. Through their art, many of these artists are able to market themselves and their work, which in turn enables them to earn a living and contribute to the city's economy.

Overall, Lagos: Artists Provoking Debate highlights how art can be an effective tool in shaping the narrative about resilient cities and engaging the public in conversations that can lead to positive change. The episode showcases how art and culture can be drivers of sustainable development and provides an inspiring journey into the world of the Lagosian art scene.