In the newset episode of the BBC World Service In the Studio series reporter Nicola Humphries joins Yinka Shonibare CBE RA as work begins on one of his and the Foundation’s most ambitious projects yet, the Ecology Green Farm. Part of our soon to launch Guest Artists Space project, the farm is a residency space for artists, agriculturists and researchers, created with a sustainable infrastructure and food security for the local community in mind.
In the programme you'll hear from Yinka in his studio in London, and from his collaborator, architect and master planner Papa Omotayo, on the ground in Lagos, as they work together to establish an organic farm across a 54-acre site whilst overseeing their team of local artisans handmake 40,000 bricks to construct a state-of-the art, artists residence and workshop. Gardens will be planted, greenhouses filled and local craft will take centre stage.
Across the year they’ll navigate lockdowns and rainy seasons, and gradually witness the centrepiece to this project, a locally styled barn house, rise from the ground, ready to become a place for people to share skills and ideas in an ambitious cultural exchange programme.
Yinka shares his personal motivations for establishing the Ecology Green Farm and explains his ongoing beliefs in the relationship between art and social justice, demonstrating with this project, how the combined disciplines of architecture and science can contribute to local eco systems, food security and of course, creativity.
The prgramme is produced by Nicola Humphries with additional sound recordings provided by Awa Osu.