Tag: Fola David

The Creative Foundation, in partnership with Africanad, proudly hosted Nigerian Guinness World Record-holding artist and award winning medical doctor Dr. Fola David for an unforgettable evening of art, mentorship, and celebration at the “Dream. Create. Achieve.” event in Winnipeg, Canada..

Dr. David, celebrated for his record-breaking drawing ‘The Unity of Diversity’, captivated attendees with a powerful talk on creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams. His message encouraged young people and professionals alike to harness their imagination and work diligently toward meaningful goals.

During the event, Dr. David was presented with two prestigious awards: Canada’s Black Artists United Recognition Award — honoring his global achievements and contributions to art, culture, and community building; The Creative Foundation Life Mentor Award — bestowed upon an exceptional individual under the age of 40 who has made transformative contributions in their profession and served as a role model within the community and globally.

Read Also: Fola David floats EVVDEE Academy to bridge knowledge gap in arts

Both awards reflect the profound influence he has had on communities across the globe.

To the delight of the audience, Dr. David also created a live painting while answering questions from the audience, transforming his session into a deeply immersive experience that fused art, wisdom and storytelling. 

The artwork of the founder of creative foundation was a striking monochrome portrait against a bold abstract backdrop,.

“Witnessing someone merge the disciplines of medicine and art with such passion reminded me of how Leonardo da Vinci must have cherished his craft. Having had the privilege to explore his portfolio and broader body of work beyond the Guinness World Record achievement, I am deeply impressed by the artistic mastery Dr. Fola David exemplifies. His unwavering dedication, technical excellence, and emotional depth place him among the compelling visual storytellers on a global scale..” — Yisa Akinbolaji, Founder of Creative Foundation

Dr. David, reflecting on the honors, shared, “Art is more than a canvas—it is a language of hope, identity, and healing. I am deeply humbled to receive these recognitions in Winnipeg, a city that has shown me so much warmth and openness.”

In fostering creative and artistic excellence, Nigeria’s Guinness World Record Holder for Largest Drawing by an Individual, Dr Fola David has established EVVDEE Art Academy to bridge identified gaps in art. 

The academy sited in Lekki, Lagos is positioned as a community for artists within and across the globe to learn, relate, exhibit works, share ideas,  collaborate, access mentorship opportunities and develop. 

 Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who was at the launch,  hinted on moves by the government to partner with the academy in a bid  to produce more talents in arts. 

She identified skills gap in this space while commending David on the bold step to bridge the gap towards enhancing Nigeria’s arts market.

“We shall be leveraging this template to improve the art and creative sector by investing in  talent skills development   and avail them  necessary opportunities to become full -fledged artists,”she said. 

Speaking on the Initiative, David stated that  the idea was inspired by observed disconnection amongst artists, noting that Evvdee’s  setting was such that promotes family like bonding among learners and professionals in Nigeria and beyond. 

According to him: ” Certain things are key for artists such as exhibition and sense of family bond, i feel these things are lacking which was a major challenge for me in my journey.  

Read Also: Dr Fola David sets new Guinness World Record for largest individual painting

“These and many more are what we aim to address with this academy. In addition to training,we want to mitigate some of the social challenges faced by artists by  bringing them together under one umbrella where they can meet like once in three months to brainstorm on industry and trends as well as personal issues”.

David added the academy will offer art events, short term courses and masterclass sessions, with provisions also made for art exchange programme and residency for those outside Lagos and Nigeria to be equipped with world -class  knowledge and superior skills. 

He said trainings will be delivered by renowned art enthusiasts and  accomplished academics, including Dotun Popoola, Ken Nwadiogbu, Oscar Nkonu, The Tobbinator, Ozuma Patrick, Mr Waduud and Abisola K Gbadamosi who is also the Academy Director, amongst others. 

He informed arrangement has been sealed with the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) for exhibition opportunities and to invite visiting art lecturers from abroad as part of preparations for the academy opening in 2025.

The academy will also be offering certification from the NGA for courses in painting, dawing, sculpture, photography, videography, animation, digital art and designs, amongst others. 

Special Assistant to the President on Art, culture and creative Economy Ayo Adeagbo commended David’s step, stating that it reflects the commitment of present administration to put Nigeria’s art in the global map.

Doctor-cum-artist Dr. Fola David has announced plans to break World record for largest drawing by an individual titled “Unity in diversity”.

In the lead up to the historical drawing which will last six days from July 16, David said he will be unveiling ‘the road to record’ from where he will also draw inspiration for the historical drawing.

He explained that the drawing billed to hold at Onikan stadium, Lagos spans over 850m2 while the monumental artwork will depict a map of Nigeria showing its myriad tribes through their unique attires, languages, art and essence.

According to him, the ‘Unity in Diversity’ project will be executed in partnership with Tolaram group to illuminate Nigeria’s vibrant cultural mosaic through an immersive journey spanning visual art, documentary, and cultural celebration.

David, in a statement, explained further the project entails three different phases, including Road to Record, the World Record Attempt itself and RepYourTribe Carnival.

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“There will be a cultural oddysey filming which will capture a mesmerizing road trip across different states of Nigeria which will then form basis for their depiction on the
world record drawing and create a documentary called the ‘Road to Record’.

“There will also be ‘RepYourTribe Carnival’ aimed at celebrating diverse cultures. A call to every Nigerian to showoff their tribe using the hashtag #repyourtribe on all online platforms and a physical celebration carnival live at the Stadium grounds alongside the creation of the world record drawing, a digital and physical extravaganza, honoring Nigeria’s cultural tapestry,” he explained.

David, who is also a speed painter, stressed the project aimed to incorporate the hearts and stories of Nigerians living together despite their different cultures and tradition.

Managing Director of Tolaram Group, Haresh Aswani said: “This project is not just about breaking records; it’s about uniting hearts, fostering understanding, and promoting peace among Nigeria’s diverse communities.”

“In collaboration with esteemed partners including the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Nigerian Tourism Development Agency, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, National Gallery of Art, Lagos State Government, and National Troupe of Nigeria, the project is poised to make a lasting impact,” David said.