As the 2023 Global Artist in Residence, award-winning actress Omowunmi Dada has been welcomed to the University of Michigan campus by the African Studies Centre (ASC) and the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS). 
The Global Artist in Residence programme was created by ASC in partnership with DAAS and was made possible by a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The actress will collaborate with DAAS language instructors to create audio-visual resources for teaching African languages and will also interact with the larger University of Michigan (U-M) campus community.
Furthermore, she will interact with educators and students at Southeast Michigan’s elementary, middle, and high schools. In an effort to teach the future generation about Nigerian culture, she will also speak about Nollywood and African cinema at events sponsored in collaboration with local organisations, U-M departments, and schools.
The actress expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nollywood, one of Africa’s most thriving film industries, as the Global Artist in Residence.
“Through this unique opportunity, I am excited to engage with faculty, staff, and students at the University of Michigan, sharing the rich tapestry of African culture and the incredible journey of the Nigerian movie industry, of which I am proud to be a part”.
“Together, we will explore the captivating stories, diverse traditions, and the creative spirit that defines Africa, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Africa and Africans in ways that promote the culture of collaboration between the United States and the continent of Africa,” she said.
Speaking as well, ASC Director Prof. Omolade Adunbi praised Dada as a remarkable actor whose involvement in the African and Nigerian film industries has contributed to a fresh perspective on Nollywood and the region’s filmmaking. “Visiting our classrooms to share her wealth of experience with our students will further make Africa and the rich tradition of the continent and the burgeoning film industry in Nigeria more visible on our campus,” he said.
Omowunmi Dada graduated from the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons.) in Creative Arts. The award-winning Nollywood actress, presenter, and model, who was born in Nigeria, has been a fixture on screens and stages for almost a decade.
