Nigerian art on spotlight at +234 Art Fair

…Show surpasses records, pushes boundaries for art, emerging artists

When the +234 Art Fair debuted in March last year, it took the Nigerian visual art community by storm due to the new concept and approach to artists’ empowerment and general art development.

It was unveiled as a platform for emerging artists, for the creative minds and gifted hands that seek for opportunities to explode, to showcase their creative ingenuity and to also make impacts.

In line with the above, the first edition drew 200 artists that showcased their works across paintings, sculpture, photography, amid master classes and entertainment offerings.

Following the tremendous success of its inaugural edition, Soto Gallery, in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and Craneburg Construction Company, the main sponsor, are hosting the second edition of the +234 Art Fair.

Themed “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art”, this year’s fair, which is ongoing at Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Ozumba Mbadiwe in Victoria Island, Lagos, started on March 26, 2025, with a VIP party and will run until March 31, 2025.

It attracted 260 artists, out of which are 140 in the 2D Art Pavilion, showcasing over 400 artworks across a diverse range of styles, techniques and perspectives.

Again, there were diverse media of artistic expressions; from painting, photography, sculpture, among others.

Also, this year’s fair offered pavilions that showcased 2D art, 3D sculptures, photography, digital art and children’s art.

Of course, the masterclasses, workshops, art talks, live art and networking were a notch higher this year because of the richer content caliber of speakers and the issues discussed.

Then, Ecobank Pan African Centre, the venue, lived up to expectations with enough space for everyone and facilities to aid displays, easy access and even refreshment and entertainment.

However, every single artwork and all the activities at the fair were intestinal by the organisers and especially in line with this year’s theme of patronage.

The theme, ‘Championing Patronage’, according to the organisers, is furthering the focus on the importance of meaningful art patronage in Nigeria’s art landscape.

It is also aimed at building upon the success of the 2024 fair in spotlighting emerging artists, as well as exploring the transformative power of patronage in driving the growth and sustainability of Nigerian art.

Yet again, the top collectors and key figures in the art world, who graced Wednesday’s opening ceremony and exclusive preview, testify to the sheer creativity on display at the fair.

Another feat in this year’s fair, which is being presented by SOTO Gallery in partnership with Ecobank, is the growing corporate sponsorship. The list is truly far bigger than last year’s sponsors fromAfrica Finance Corporation, Craneburg, The Osa Okunbo Foundation, Glenfiddich, Tiger, Odujinrin & Adefulu as well as a big ensidersment by the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

For Bobo Omotayo, an entertainment and culture enthusiast, PR specialist and art promoter, the venue is simply a dynamic space, while it was rewarding to visit the fair, which he said would boost Nigeria’s flourishing art scene.

Midas Lakule, a gallery owner, commended the fair for spotlighting raw creativity that defines rich art heritage across the country.

“I am here, excited and already spotting works to buy and artists to network with. Thanks to the organisers,” he said.

This year’s edition was also graced by top dignitaries from private, corporate and government circles.

Fegho John Umunubo, Special Assistant to the President (OVP) on Digital and Creative Economy, was not only excited to be present at the art fair, he also delivered a speech on the power of art in shaping culture and society.

But one highlight of the fair, which is a major one in every sense, is the visit by some schools, who were taken on exclusive tours, with more likely coming before the end of the fair.

The beauty of the school visits is the opportunity to give young minds a taste of the vibrant art scene, and most likely, ‘catching them young’.

While there were masterclasses, the one on “The Future of Art Patronage: Building Inclusive and Sustainable Collector Networks,” explored how collectors, institutions, and artists can collaborate to create a more inclusive and enduring art ecosystem, enlightened and inspired the attendees to see art differently.

As expected, the success of the masterclass was due to the expertise of Eboni Gates, the keynote speaker, in handling the issue.

“Telling Stories with Artificial Intelligence,” a workshop led by Malik Afegbua and Omotayo Otitoju, also offered the needed enlightenment, amid engaging the attendees, while a panel discussion titled, “Murals and the City: The Role of Patronage in Public Art,” cleared the air on the need to encourage artists to take on bold works like mural to show their creativity, empower them and beautify the city also.

It was moderated by Papa Omotayo and featured seasoned minds such as; Osa Seven, Polly Alakija, Divine Momoh and Mr. Waduud.

Meanwhile, the reality is that +234 Art Fair is living up to expectation as works have been sold and more to be sold, conversations have been sparked, and the connections and networks, which were initiated during the fair will grow and fruition long after the fair.

Huge credit goes to Tola Akerele, founder, SOTO Gallery and the fair, who created the +234 Art Fair as a supportive ecosystem for emerging Nigerian artists, as well as to foster patronage to elevate their careers and strengthen the creative industry.

Speaking at this year’s fair, she expressed her excitement that the fair is living up to its objective, which is to provide a vital platform for artists, particularly those in remote areas and without gallery representation.

Akerele, who is already excited at the success of the ongoing fair, also appreciated the turn up of art lovers, galleries and especially the participating artists for taking advantage of the unique platform to showcase their exceptional talents while celebrating Nigerian culture and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s vibrant art community.