The NESG/AFAF National Art Competition is generating immense excitement as its grand finale approaches on Sunday, October 13, at Abuja’s Transcorp Hilton Hotel. It’s no surprise, given the competition’s potential to propel Nigeria’s thriving art sector to new heights. The event has drawn 304 entries from talented artists, mostly from Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu, with a remarkable 177 submissions from young artists aged 18-24.
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This impressive turnout underscores the competition’s significance in nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of art leaders. The 30 finalists will showcase their work in an exclusive exhibition, vying for ₦6 million in prizes, with ₦3 million reserved for the first prize. Beyond the awards, the top 30 winners will benefit from AFAF’s seven-week growth program, featuring internships, workshops, and mentorship designed to foster industry exposure and networking opportunities.

This initiative is poised to create a vibrant community of over 50 collaborating creatives, further solidifying Nigeria’s position in the global art landscape. By partnering with NESG, AFAF aims to diversify the economy and leverage the creative industry for long-term growth. Nigeria’s creative sector is projected to reach $15 billion by 2025, generating 2.7 million jobs, making this collaboration timely and strategic.

Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, a 2006 UNESCO Living Human Treasure, will lead a pivotal conversation session on October 15, highlighting the significance of artist workshops in driving economic growth and social change. His Harmattan Workshop Series exemplifies the collaborative spaces artists need to experiment, share ideas, and develop new techniques. Despite infrastructure and education challenges, visual arts festivals and workshops play a vital role in driving economic growth and social change.

Events like Art X Lagos, Osun Oshogbo Festival, Lagos Biennial, and Dakar Biennale attract thousands of visitors, generating demand for local services and fostering business partnerships, skill development, and regional cultural visibility. The African Art Fund’s collaboration with NESG is poised to create opportunities for artists, creatives, and the economy as a whole.

As Ifesinachi Nwanyanwu emphasises, “As we cultivate younger artists’ creativity, we must learn from pioneers who have significantly contributed to the creative industry’s development and sustainability.”
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