LIMCAF’s 18-year legacy of fostering future artistic talent

Should there be any doubt about the organisers of the Life in My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) deserving special recognition, the fact that the yearly youth-focused art event has subsisted since 2007 ought to dispel it. Add to this its impressive longevity and resilience in the face of sponsorship concerns; it is equally commendable that it is stomping into its 18th edition this year—a compelling reason to generate widespread enthusiasm in the local visual arts community.

This edition — with its thought-inducing theme ‘Can We Breathe?’— promises to be its most impressive edition yet. With over ₦60 million in prizes to be won across various categories, it is set to excite its audience. Significant improvements have been made to the festival’s competition section, which now includes additional categories and higher prize amounts. Consequently, it is anticipated that the event will display a remarkable range of artistic ability and inventiveness.

The Elder Kalu Young Artist of the Year Prize, sponsored by the family of the late Elder Kalu Uke Kalu, former LIMCAF chairman, has been significantly enhanced to the naira equivalent of USD 2000, solidifying its position as the top prize.

Beyond this impressive cash award, a range of category prizes will be bestowed upon exceptional entries in various visual arts categories. The Chinelo Chime Prize for Best in Photography, worth ₦1 million, is one such notable award. Additionally, prizes for outstanding works in painting, sculpture, drawing, and ceramics will be awarded, each valued at ₦500,000. These prizes not only recognise artistic excellence but also provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents.

This edition also includes new category prizes, such as the Armstrong Agoreyo Prize, which recognises innovative artwork created with wastepaper as a medium, and the Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo Prize, which honours exceptional artistic talent among people with disabilities.

Of course, it’s no longer news that LIMCAF offers a unique platform for individuals, families, and organisations to honour their great ones by naming specifically endowed prizes after them. Among these are the Justice Anthony Aniagolu Prize, which recognises extraordinary inventiveness, and the Dr. Pius Okigbo Prize, which honours great technical proficiency.

Then, across different regions, a network of generous individuals has stepped forward to empower young artists, fostering a sense of community and creative growth. Through endowed regional prizes, these visionaries are inspiring talented youth to pursue their passion. For instance, the Mfon Usoro Prize shines a spotlight on outstanding artistry from Uyo, while the VinMartins Ilo Prize celebrates exceptional talent from Enugu, providing a platform for these emerging artists to shine.

But LIMCAF’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent goes far beyond financial rewards. The organisation also provides a springboard for creative growth through training initiatives, including immersive residencies and intensive boot camps. These programs equip young artists with the essential tools, expertise, and confidence to thrive in the national and international art landscape, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the competitive art world.

In a bold move to foster artistic diversity, the programme has expanded its horizons, inviting Nigerian artists and foreign artists who have been residing in Nigeria for not less than five years, aged 35 and below, to participate in its latest edition. This deliberate widening of eligibility aims to unleash a vibrant spectrum of artistic expressions, as diverse voices converge to create a rich narrative.

The submission window is meanwhile now open, with a nominal entry fee of N5,000, until May 31. And this year’s thought-provoking theme, ‘Can We Breathe?’, resonates deeply, echoing through the corridors of collective conscience. It challenges artists to confront the suffocating grip of environmental crises, societal constraints, and global inequality. As young artists channel their creativity, innovative solutions will emerge, illuminating a beacon of hope in a world yearning to breathe.

The programme’s transformation continues with the appointment of three industry-leading lights to its Board of Trustees: Executive Vice President of Argus Media, Barbara Kalu; renowned filmmaker and multicultural artist, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago and distinguished professor of fine art based in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Jerry Buhari. These strategic appointments position LIMCAF to drive innovation and expand its portfolio of activities, ultimately enriching the lives of aspiring young artists.

True to its core values of diversity and equality, it fosters a culture of opportunity, welcoming emerging talents from all over the country, regardless of gender. Female artists, in particular, are eligible for special prize offerings. its commitment to empowering artists extends to the younger generation, with training workshops designed for primary and secondary school children, including those living with disabilities. Successful workshops have been held in Abuja and Enugu over the past couple of years, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing artistic talent.