Her Excellency Prof Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Founder of Ajike People Support Centre, has expressed support for the Evolving Heritage Gala , a major event celebrating Black History Month 2025, to be held at the British Museum in London on 2 October 2025.

Prof Abdulrazaq, who also serves as Matron of the African Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, attended a private viewing of artist Lanre Olagoke MBE's retrospective exhibition, The Master's Retrospective My Paintings from 1980 to Now , at XCHG Workplace, UK. She praised the organisers for leveraging art as a tool for social change and economic empowerment, particularly for youth.

The Evolving Heritage Gala -hosting over 20 young artists-is aimed at fostering a sustainable future for Commonwealth African youth. Organised by UK-based not-for-profit groups Art-Alive Arts Trust, Centre Point, and Her Rise Heritage, the event underscores the fusion of art and social impact while raising funds for youth initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Prof Abdulrazaq highlighted the global economic significance of art and affirmed her collaboration with Olagoke to amplify the exhibition's impact. "I look forward to working with Lanre in October to inspire our youths," she stated.

Lanre Olagoke MBE, renowned for his art activism spanning over two decades across the UK and Africa, was awarded the MBE for contributions to the arts and community development. His work bridges cultural narratives and social advocacy, aligning with Prof Abdulrazaq's vision for youth empowerment through creativity.

The organisers of Evolving Heritage noted that many young people in Africa facing homelessness, exclusion or disability, are denied the chance to thrive, express themselves, or have sense of belonging, adding that the unfortunate situations are not parallel crises, but deeply connected. "The Evolving Heritage Gala was born from the conviction that access to creativity, to dignity, to culture is a right, not a luxury," a joint statement by the three organisers said. "By bringing together heritage and culture with transformative youth art, we aim to turn silence into voice, vulnerability into power, and the quest for survival into opportunity."

Highlights of the event include establishing and engaging artists from Commonwealth Africa, and also using their voices to inspire others; and showcasing of heritage and culture hope where modern systems are failing; celebration of the human experience-where art serves as a bridge between nations; and as well as collaboration transforms into a shared mission.

The Evolving Heritage exhibition, coincidentally comes on the second day of Nigerian Independence Day, in October as the event aims to provide the emerging artists with recognition in both the UK and Africa. Olagoke disclosed that he will be sponsoring some of the exhibiting artists: "I will be sponsoring three of these artists with a three-month residency award, enabling them to create works centered around the theme 'Who I Am. These pieces will be exhibited in one of the premier galleries in the UK, with nominations for the three artists being made by respected female art critics from both the UK and Africa."

The criteria for artists' participation in the exhibition include being full-time artists or photographers; should be of African and Caribbean heritage, be aged between 18 and 30, and must be based in the UK.

Artists selected are expected to submit a piece of work to Art-Alive Arts Trust, that will be ready to be displayed or placed on an easel. Size 100cm x 100cm ( Square). The piece of art submitted would be auctioned at the event which would help raise funds for the work the charity Art-Alive is doing in the community as 50% of the proceeds would go to the artist.

"At Art-Alive Arts Trust, we are eager to hear their stories and share them, encouraging these talented individuals to pursue their dreams until they are realized," Olagoke assured. "Additionally, we will also recognize three female filmmakers in the following categories: director, producer, and screenwriter, all based in the UK. The criteria for submission include their latest film that they have produced, written, or directed, they should be full-time filmmakers, including producers and directors, and of African descent. The deadline for submissions is June 20, 2025. This is an urgent opportunity!"

The Evolving Heritage art show will also feature musical section featuring DJ Cuppy and musician, Egypt.