Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield recently announced in Lagos, Nigeria that the United States is enhancing educational and cultural platforms to strengthen creative economies between the United States and Africa. This initiative follows Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s visit to Nigeria and aligns with President Biden’s 2022 Executive Order to utilize the creative arts in fostering collaboration among various entities to promote economic growth and opportunities on both continents.
At the University of Lagos, Assistant Secretary Satterfield introduced a film-focused pilot program for Nigerian students under the Community College Initiative Program (CCI). This program leverages the U.S. community college system to provide educational and technical training to international students, preparing them for the workforce in their respective countries. The first cohort of Nigerian participants will spend the 2024-2025 academic year at a U.S. community college focusing on technical training in the film industry.
In addition, mid-level music industry professionals from Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco will participate in the American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP), a partnership between the Department and the Recording Academy. This program pairs international mid-career professionals with mentors who are members of the Recording Academy. AMMP was initially announced by Secretary Blinken as part of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative in September 2023. Learn more here.
The African Creative TV (ACTV) initiative aims to provide professional development and networking opportunities for television professionals in various fields. This summer, ACTV will bring television professionals from across Africa to Los Angeles for a four-week residency at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. They will receive mentorship from American television industry experts in areas like art direction, cinematography, editing, and line producing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Department of State.