Poet and playwright Nandi Jola honoured in UK-first AI artwork to mark the National Lottery’s 30th birthday

Created using state-of-the-art cognitive technology, the AI data painting, uses the brainwaves of seven ‘Game Changers’ – who have had transformative impact across grassroots and iconic arts and film projects - to create a beautiful ever-changing projection inspired by their journey, work, inspirations, creative processes and impact.

Re-imagining the iconic façade of the V&A’s Exhibition Road Courtyard building, the ‘Symphony of the Game Changers’ AI cognitive painting, is a UK-first artwork for Istanbul-based Ouchhh Studio, who use ground-breaking cognitive technology to illuminate iconic buildings across the world.

Each chapter of the artwork brings to life the unique journey and passion of a Game Changer including local poet and playwright Nandi Jola, to recognise their extraordinary impact with the help of National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for good causes.

Nandi is being honoured amongst the Game Changers for her contribution to arts and culture. Born in South Africa, growing up Nandi was surrounded by the rich oral traditions of her culture, and developed a profound love for language and storytelling, influenced significantly by her grandmother's tales. After moving to Northern Ireland in 2021, she began to explore themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience in her poetry, weaving together her African roots with her life in the diaspora.

Her work, known for its lyrical quality and emotional depth, often reflects the complexities of belonging and cultural identity, resonating with readers and audiences worldwide. She founded the ‘nandijproject’ in 2010 with the vision of tackling women trafficking and sexual exploitation.

In addition to her poetry, Nandi is a dynamic performer and community advocate. She conducts workshops and mentorship programs, particularly focusing on empowering young people from marginalized backgrounds through the arts. Her collection "Home Is Neither Here Nor There" is particularly celebrated for its exploration of displacement and the concept of home. Nandi Jola continues to live in the UK, balancing her artistic career with her roles as a mother and community leader, while remaining deeply connected to her South African roots. Nandi has received National Lottery funding of £18,826 in the form of six awards from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Nandi Jola, said:

"I knew from a young age that my voice was important, and I'm compelled to speak so as not to be othered. Founding the nandijproject was a way to turn my passion into action, addressing issues of women trafficking and exploitation. Thanks to the support of many, we’ve been able to empower communities through the arts. It’s my hope to show others that through shared stories, we can find strength and the power to transform our world."

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland added:

“The National Lottery’s 30th Birthday is a significant milestone, and an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past three decades. The National Lottery funding, has touched the our local arts and film scene in so many ways – from restoring our theatres, to opening our eyes through new galleries, and bringing us together with community choirs, and much, much more.

“It’s an honour to be recognising Nandi Jola as a Game Changer for the impact she has made on so many here in Northern Ireland, particularly young people and those from diverse backgrounds who have been empowered by her incredible work.”

To mark the 30th anniversary of the first draw in 1994, The National Lottery is celebrating 30 inspirational people - Game Changers - who have achieved amazing things across the UK in the last 30 years, with the help of National Lottery funding.

The Game Changers were nominated by members of the public and selected by a panel composed of members of The National Lottery family and partners.

28 Game Changers have been revealed in September and October at four installations which focused on an area of National Lottery funding including, the arts & film, heritage, sport and community.

The final two Game Changers will be announced on The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash scheduled for broadcast on ITV on 31 December.

The seven arts & film Game Changers announced today were selected as examples of dedicated, inspiring, high achieving individuals who have had a transformative impact on their industry, and a significant impact on their wider communities and society.

Since 1994, more than £217 million of National Lottery money has been invested in 9,680 Northern Ireland based arts projects by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Community groups, theatre companies, schools, musicians, poets and painters have all benefitted from the good causes funding generated through the National Lottery, helping to develop and support arts activities in our towns and cities, as well providing funding for landmark public artworks, including John Kindness’ much-loved Big Fish on Belfast’s Donegall Quay, Niall O’Neill’s bronze Fishing Boat on Portstewart Promanade and Maurice Harron’s large scale stylised dancers and fiddle player of ‘Let the Dance Begin’ in Strabane.

Iconic arts buildings like the Grand Opera House in Belfast, Marketplace Theatre in Armagh, Alley Arts Centre in Strabane, Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and The Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena, have all benefited from National Lottery investment. Money raised for good causes has provided vital funding for capital projects, acting as an important catalyst for leveraging additional investment in the cultural sector.

Find out more here: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/gamechangers