The United States (US) has unveiled two groundbreaking initiatives – the Africa Creative TV initiative (ACTV) and the American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) – tailored for creatives in Nigeria.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish a ‘Window on America’ hub at the University of Lagos campus, further enhancing educational and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The announcement was made by the US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lee Satterfield, during a policy speech on the “Importance of Cultural Diplomacy in Africa.” Satterfield highlighted the significance of these initiatives in fostering collaboration and fostering mutual understanding between the US and Nigeria.
According to Satterfield, the ACTV initiative and AMMP are community college programs designed to facilitate professional development and networking opportunities for creatives. The ‘Window on America’ hub at the University of Lagos will serve as a resource center, providing information on studying in the US, opportunities for workforce development training, exposure to American culture, and access to fast and free Internet for students and faculty.
ACTV, a groundbreaking professional development program, will focus on nurturing the growth of TV writers, producers, and below-the-line professionals.
The initiative aims to provide participants with networking opportunities and refine their skills across various technical fields such as art direction, cinematography, editing, and line producing. In 2024, eight TV projects will be selected to participate in a comprehensive four-week residency at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where participants will collaborate with US professionals to enhance their skills and prepare for the complexities of television production.
In addition to ACTV, the US has launched AMMP, a collaborative initiative between the US Department of State and the Grammys. AMMP seeks to bring international mid-career music industry professionals to the US for mentorship and networking opportunities. This program aims to cultivate a thriving professional music industry ecosystem locally, nurture creative talent, and strengthen the global creative economy.
Satterfield underscored the US commitment to utilizing education to unlock the potential of the creative economy, citing the profound relationship between the US and Nigeria. Last year, over 17,000 Nigerian students pursued academic endeavors in America, contributing to cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
Furthermore, Satterfield highlighted the impact of initiatives such as The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders and partnerships with US tech giants through programs like TechWomen and TechGirls, aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding opportunities in Nigeria’s creative industries, particularly in technology and innovation. Satterfield emphasized the importance of further exploring these opportunities through the US Mission’s social media channels, expressing confidence in the US-Nigeria partnership’s ability to address shared challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
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