Following a five month submission window, which ran from January 1 to May 31, 2026, the
the Life in My City Art Foundation’s (LIMCAF) Call for Applications recorded an impressive 830 artwork entries, representing a notable increase from 750 entries in the previous edition.

Participation was received from across 18 cities covering all the geopolitical zones in Nigeria, reaffirming LIMCAF’s “continued national reach and relevance as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for emerging visual artists,” said the organisers.

“In terms of artistic categories, the highest volume of submissions was recorded in painting, mixed media, sculpture, and drawing, reflecting both the strength and diversity of contemporary artistic practice. A notable highlight of this year’s Call was the increase in female participation, with women accounting for approximately 33.2 per cent of total applicants up from last year’s 29.3 per cent marking a positive step towards greater inclusivity within the LIMCAF ecosystem,” they stated.

“The 2026 theme, Open Letter, invited artists to engage critically with personal and societal narratives, resulting in a wide range of thought provoking and conceptually rich submissions. These outcomes collectively underscore the growing awareness, accessibility, and prestige associated with the LIMCAF platform.”

Following the conclusion of the application and screening phases, the LIMCAF 2026 regional exhibitions officially commenced in June and have continued actively into July across various centres nationwide.

These exhibitions present a curated selection of works from participating artists within their respective regions, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the diversity, depth, and evolving narratives within contemporary Nigerian art.

LIMCAF also said in continuation of festival activities, the LIMCAF Artist Residency Programme officially commenced on July 1, 2026. The 2026 residency features two selected artists: Mr. Nnamdi Udoka (Enugu Region) and Miss Bilkisu Shaibu (Jalingo Region), who will participate in the programme in sequence. Each artist will undertake a six-week residency, allowing for focused studio practice, mentorship, and professional development.

Udoka’s residency will focus on studio-based exploration, supported by critical review sessions and structured engagements designed to deepen his artistic practice. He has already arrived and commenced his residency. He was formally received at the LIMCAF Headquarters in Enugu by the Art Director, marking the beginning of his six week engagement within the programme.

As the regional exhibitions continue across the country and the residency programme progresses, preparations are steadily underway for the next phases leading to the LIMCAF Grand Finale scheduled for October 31, 2026.

For nearly two decades, LIMCAF has remained at the forefront of discovering and nurturing artistic talent in Nigeria. While the yearly competition remains central to the platform, and its work extends into artist development programmes, community outreach and inclusive creative initiatives.

LIMCAF remains committed to creating opportunities that support artistic growth, encourage innovation, and strengthen the cultural landscape across Nigeria.