AMIAF holds April, to showcase old, new artists

The fourth edition of the ArtMiabo International Art Festival (AMIAF) will hold from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Lagos. This year’s theme, Art Economy, aims to highlight the role of art in economic growth and sustainability.

At a media held at EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos, AMIAF’s founder, Miabo Enyadike, revealed that the festival would feature a mix of new and returning artists from various countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Chad, and Uganda.

Among the notable participants is the Dean of Vocational Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Dr. Festus Adeyemi, who will exhibit his unique upcycled and fabricated artworks.

According to Enyadike, AMIAF is designed to challenge the notion that art only sells during specific periods. “We want to show that art sells all year round. If we keep limiting art sales to certain months, we are restricting the market. Galleries should be open and active from January to December,” she stated.

The festival will also feature an art therapy session led by South African artist Dr. Suza, focusing on how art is used in medical treatments, particularly for mental health. Additionally, young talents such as Omotoni Dada from primary school will have opportunity to showcase their creativity alongside established artists.

AMIAF’s Head of Operations, Agu Uchechukwu, acknowledged the support of past sponsors like MultiChoice and EbonyLife, while announcing that new sponsors are joining this year’s edition. “We are taking this festival to the next level. By the fifth edition, we believe people will be calling us,” he said.

Legacy sponsors MultiChoice and JC Décor, a French outdoor motion board company, have confirmed their continued support, while discussions with potential new sponsors are ongoing.

On how AMIAF funds its operations, Enyadike explained that the festival does not charge artists for exhibiting their work but instead takes a 30 per cent commission from sales. “This payment helps cover costs like venue rental. It’s a business, and we want artists to remember that,” she said. Some artists, however, prefer to pay a fixed fee rather than parting with a percentage of their earnings.

Artists who are unable to attend in person will be represented, as their works would be displayed at the festival. The final list of participating artists is expected to be announced soon.