VOL. I

The need for safe spaces of solidarity, collectivity and dialogue is ever growing in a context where marginalization and social stigma mark emerging artists of African descent worldwide. For the Italian context and the socio-cultural reality of Black Italians, the need for exchange is profound. YGBI Research Residency and Training Program is a collective studio experience born from a collaboration between BHMF, OCAD and The Student Hotel to take place in the studios of OCAD and the classrooms and auditoriums of The Student Hotel coinciding with the first 10 days of Black History Month Florence. The first edition hosted Binta Diaw, Raziel Perin, Francis Offman, Victor Fotso Nyie and Emmanuel Yoro under the mentorship of Andrea Fatona and leaf jerlefia. The platform was develped in conversation with Simone Frangi.

VOL. II

The secnd volume of the YGBI Research Residency and Training Program was hosted and supported by Numeroventi. Inviting Afro-Descendent artists connected to Italy to engage in 10-day research residency about diaspora, identity construction and collectivity, the residency unfolds through the ongoing support and mentorship of the artists that pass through its program connecting them to the broader network and facilitating institutional exhibitions and proposals.The second edition orchestrated as a collaboration with Numeroventi was held in February 2021 with Adji Dieye, Kelly Costigliolo, Christian Offman and Silvia Rosi mentored by Arlette Louise Ndakoze of SAVVY Contemporary.

VOL. III

The third volume of YGBI was developed in February of 2022 brought together three artists working across disciplines. Museum solo projects, affiliated researchers for the artists, catalogues, fellowship opportunities and exhibition opportunities are all outgrowths of this platform and have been developed in collaboration over the years with Murate Art District, Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, Centrale Fies, SAVVY CONTEMPORARY, Ontario College of Art and Design, Italian cultural Institute in Paris and Museo MAGA amongst others. Volume III featured Jermay Michael Gabriel, Ofelia Omoyele Balogun and Ismael Lo with the mentorship of S.A. Smythe.

VOL. IV

The fourth volume in collaboration with Numeroventi welcomed the partecipants Theophilus Imani, Elena Ndidi Akilo, Mistura Allison and Leyla Degan accompanied by guests attached to various institutions including Ose Bonsu and Kevin Jerome Everson.

VOL. V

In its fifth edition, the residency featured Leila Bencharnia, Brianda Carreras, Omar Gabriel Delnevo and Soukaina Abrour under the mentorship of Mawena Yehouessi with Fallon Mayanja and was supported by Soul of Nations Foundation and The Social Hub. This residency was extended through performances and events by the artists in dialogue with internationally acclaimed performers at CANGO, at Prato’s Centro per l’Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci and The Social Hub.

VOL. VI

The 6th volume of YGBI Research Residency initiated a collaboration with the Museo Novecento. This work, created within the Italian context, concerns the design of a roadmap to support young Italian artists through a critical dialogue, in which the marginalization of history rendered the contributions of Afro-descendant artists more visible. This 6th edition is focused on Mohammed El Hajoui, Damiana Tata, Patricia Taide, Stephanie Nwobodo, all 4 artists with practices related to visual art under the mentorship of Elena Ndidi Akilo.