In a bid to champion African art and empower emerging artists, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has partnered with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery to present the +234Art Fair, a 10-day international art exhibition set to showcase over a thousand works of art from diverse African talents.
Scheduled to commence on Friday, March 22nd, the exhibition will take place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on 270 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos. The collaboration aims to provide a platform to elevate African art locally and globally while fostering economic growth and empowerment within the creative sector.
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, highlighted the significance of the +234Art Fair in empowering Africa’s youthful population and driving economic growth through art. He expressed pride in collaborating with Ecobank to promote African art and artists on a global scale.
Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, reiterated the bank’s commitment to projecting Africa’s creatives and providing opportunities for artists to showcase their works internationally. He emphasized the excitement and anticipation surrounding the fair, which aims to engage both emerging artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Curated by Soto Gallery, the exhibition seeks to catalyze the creative sector by providing recognition and livelihoods for emerging artists. Through workshops and discussions with established local and international artists, the +234Art Fair aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of participating artists while fostering critical dialogue within the global art community.
The thematic direction for the maiden exhibition, titled ‘A New Heritage,’ reflects the diverse artistic creativity present in Nigeria and beyond. Tola Akerele, Founder of Soto Gallery, emphasized the significance of connecting Nigerian art from the past to the present, fostering a sense of pride and purpose among emerging artists.
The +234Art Fair will feature diverse art exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, curated photography, and compelling art installations, alongside an art-centric bookstore, immersive children’s area, VIP lounge, culinary delights, and engaging masterclasses and workshops.
With preparations underway and hundreds of works of art already in place, the +234Art Fair promises to be a celebration of African creativity, heritage, and legacy, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich artistic ambiance and explore the dynamic world of African art.