This paper, produced in collaboration with ODI Global, as part of our work for the Africa-Europe Mayors' Dialogue, explores the role of the creative sectors in building dynamic, urban economies and fostering inclusive growth.

Award-winning data visualisation on the contribution of migrant workers to teh COVID-19 response. Example sand data on reforms, initiatives and campaigns to recognise and better support the value migrant essential work.

This artistic documentary directed by artist Julianknxx considers what it means to be free to move, not as in leave or flee, but to move. Shot in Freetown, Sierra Leone, it explores the power and immense potential of creative sectors in the city.

Our latest analysis of UK and Schengen visa applications reveals the consequences of unequal visa regimes. The full dataset on rejection rates and the associated costs is available.

A platform of African and European mayors working together to deliver innovative and practical solutions for sustainable urban development in and between their cities.

Data visualisation on how European feel and think about immigration. Based on individual and societal perceptions of immigration in different European countries, how they change over time and are shaped by dominant political and media narratives.

Creative exchange between Freetown and London fashion designers and makers in September 2022. Making connections and creating opportunities for collaboration. With ODI and LABRUM London

A masterclass at Palazzo Grassi in Venice dedicated to understanding and reading data and how to create impactful and beautiful data visualisations.

Launched by Mayor Aki-Sawyerr a platform connecting Freetown based creatives with colleagues and investors in other African and European cities.

A blog for the London School of Economics introducing the Africa Europe Mayors' Dialogue and how mayors are collaborating to improve the lives of their residents and make their cities more welcoming.

Europe is placing insurmountable barriers in front of Africans trying to get visas to visit. Marta Foresti and Otho Mantegazza discuss how this policy is denying people opportunities and doing Europe more harm than good - published by LSE.

LAGO’s Founder Marta Foresti spoke at Prada Frames, an initiative at the intersection of design, culture, and society. This year’s theme was ‘In Transit’ and Marta spoke on ‘Infrastructures of Migration: Borders, Routes, and Resistances.’ 

A public event during Milan Design Week 2023 discussing how creative minds and talents contribute to social and economic changes in global cities.

A discussion at ODI with Giuseppe Sala on his vision and priorities for the city of Milan and why international cooperation matters, in particular between African and European cities.

Launched by Mayor Aki-Sawyerr a platform connecting Freetown based creatives with colleagues and investors in other African and European cities.

A conversation at Milan Design Week 2022 between the mayors of Freetown, Yvonne Aki Sawyerr and Milan, Giuseppe Sala explaining why they work together on fashion/design and the importance of a partnership of equals between African and European cities

A day of events at Milan Design Week 2022 in collaboration with ODI, IKEA Foundation and IKEA Italy on the power of ideas, creativity and talent of people who move, by need or necessity.

An event at V&A Dundee exploring how information design is used to communicate stories and challenge myths. With Marta Foresti, Natalie Kane, Leonardo de Vasconcelos, John Burn-Murdoch and Federica Fragapane

LAGO is hosting an evening of celebrations during the London Migration Film Festival in collaboration with Moleskine Foundation and Phaidon Press. This year we explore how passports act as gateways to visit, perform, or travel - yet not for everyone.

Co-curated with the World Cities Culture Forum, Africa-Europe Mayors’ Dialogue (ODI GLOBAL), LAGO Collective & the Moleskine Foundation, this panel brought together city and cultural leaders to discuss the global influence of African creative cities.