On June 10–11, 2026, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos played host to the workshop titled “New Narratives & Singular Communication in Arts Journalism: The Museo del Prado Experience.”

The two-day training brought together arts and culture journalists, museum communication professionals and creative stakeholders for conversations around ethical storytelling, communication strategies, innovation, sustainability and the future of cultural journalism.

Beyond the sessions, the workshop highlighted a bigger conversation, that is, the role of museums as drivers of cultural knowledge, tourism, commerce and community development, while examining how journalists can use new tools and approaches to tell more impactful stories.

Here are the major highlights at the workshop

Words Ireho Aito | Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger! Photographs courtesy of YSMA Library, Abiodun Omotosho, Uzezy Arure Adejoh

YSMA: The Power of a Private Collection Becoming a Public Cultural Legacy

One of the defining highlights was the recognition of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) and its role in Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem.

Built around the extensive collection of Prince Yemisi Shyllon, YSMA represents the transformation of a private art collection into a public institution for learning, research, exhibitions and cultural engagement.

The museum demonstrates how collecting can become a responsibility by preserving artistic heritage while creating access for students, researchers, artists, journalists and the wider public.

Its presence also reinforces the role museums play beyond their walls, contributing to tourism, cultural exchange and the creative economy of their surrounding environment. Museums as the speakers remarked are suppose to be brands, just like other brands.

Museums as Drivers of Arts, Tourism and Commerce

The workshop celebrated the relevance of university museums and their ability to influence the wider ecosystem.

YSMA reflects the growing understanding that museums are not simply spaces where objects are displayed. They are cultural destinations that attract visitors, stimulate conversations and create opportunities around hospitality, tourism, education and creative entrepreneurship.

For Lagos, a city with a strong cultural identity, institutions like YSMA represent the connection between culture and economic development.

AI and the New Tools Transforming Journalistic Practice

A major conversation was the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in contemporary journalism.

Participants explored how AI tools can support journalists in research, organising ideas, improving workflows, analysing audiences and enhancing storytelling processes.

The training also emphasised that technology must work alongside journalistic ethics, human creativity and critical judgment. While AI can improve efficiency, the responsibility of accuracy, context and integrity remains central to journalism.

Pitching for Opportunities: Building Sustainable Cultural Journalism

Another key highlight was the exposure to funding opportunities through effective pitching.

Participants explored how journalists can develop stronger story proposals capable of attracting grants, partnerships and support from cultural organisations.

The ability to present compelling ideas, demonstrate impact and communicate the value of cultural stories was identified as an important skill for sustaining careers in arts journalism.

The Museo del Prado Experience in Lagos and the Power of Cultural Exchange

The workshop recognised the relevance of the Museo Nacional del Prado experience in Lagos and the contribution of Casa África in expanding conversations around global cultural exchange.

These initiatives demonstrate how museums can create bridges between continents, allowing audiences to engage with different artistic traditions while strengthening dialogue between Africa and the world.

The Enigmatic Pull of Jess Castellote and the Vision Behind YSMA

A notable highlight was the role of Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA).

Known for his thoughtful approach to museum development and engagement, Castellote represents the evolving role of museum leadership where directors are not only custodians of collections but also cultural connectors, bringing together artists, audiences, researchers and media.

His influence reflects YSMA’s broader vision: making the museum a living space where art creates conversations, curiosity and connection.

The workshop ultimately reinforced a central message: the future of arts and culture depends on strong institutions, responsible journalism, innovative tools and communication strategies that allow stories of heritage and creativity to reach wider audiences.

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