The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young African artists by partnering for the second consecutive year with the +234Art Fair, an international art exhibition dedicated to showcasing emerging and un-galleried talent.
Organized by Soto Gallery in collaboration with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, AFC, and Craneburg Construction Company, the five-day event, themed “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art,” will take place from March 27 to March 31 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. With over 260 young artists set to exhibit their works, the fair aims to highlight the impact of meaningful patronage in the creative industry.
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, emphasized the corporation’s dedication to fostering economic growth through Africa’s creative sector. “The +234Art Fair aligns with AFC’s advocacy strategy of empowering and elevating Africa’s youthful population, thereby fostering job creation, skills development, value retention, and rapid economic growth,” he said. “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Ecobank to help drive Africa’s creative industry forward by creating a catalyst for promoting African art and artists locally and on the global stage.”
Ecobank Nigeria’s Managing Director and Regional Executive, Bolaji Lawal, underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative talents. “As a Pan-African bank, this fair is an important initiative in our commitment to economic growth and investing in Africa’s next generation of talent. It offers emerging artists a unique opportunity to showcase their works to key decision-makers, influencers, and a global audience,” he stated.
Founder of +234Art Fair and Soto Gallery Foundation, Mrs. Tola Akerele, highlighted the broader significance of patronage in the art world. “Patronage goes beyond financial support; it’s about building relationships that allow artists to grow and sustain their creative practices. The 2025 edition of the +234Art Fair aims to show how meaningful support can impact an artist’s journey and the broader art ecosystem, fostering essential connections along the way,” she explained.
The fair will feature a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, digital and visual art, and installations. It will also include interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions for artists, enthusiasts, and key stakeholders in the creative sector.
With an expected audience comprising art lovers, policymakers, diplomats, and industry leaders from Nigeria and beyond, the +234Art Fair continues to position itself as a vital platform for the promotion of African art and talent on a global scale.