By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Emerging young Nigerian artists have been invited to participate in an international art exhibition organised by Ecobank Nigeria in partnership with Soto Gallery.
The 10-day event tagged +234Art, is scheduled to commence on Friday, March 22, 2024, and is dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry in Nigeria by providing a platform to support emerging artists and encourage increased interest in art acquisition, thereby contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local art sector and its international recognition.
The art fair will among other things seek to create a sustainable platform for young and emerging artists in the country, provide an opportunity to enhance skills and understanding of the industry through workshops that run concurrently with the art fair.
In addition, it will showcase the talent of Nigerian art and encourage economic exchange by purchasing art pieces while moving the artists into a better socio-economic class by giving them tools to earn locally, regionally and internationally
Speaking on why the lender partnered with Soto Gallery to put up this event, the Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Lawal, said it aligned with the bank’s policy of promoting the creative industry in the country and the African continent.
“Our objective at Ecobank is to project Nigerian creatives by highlighting their talents and providing a platform as well as opportunities for them to showcase their works locally and globally.
“The creative industry is an essential driver of economic growth, well-being, and global connectivity. We will continue to invest in the potentials of our young people for a brighter future for Nigeria as a country,” he stated.
Mr Lawal urged emerging Nigerian artists to submit applications for their participation in the international art exhibition through [email protected].
On her part, the founder of Soto Gallery, Ms Tola Akerele, stated that the maiden edition of this event takes the thematic direction of A New Heritage and is designed to serve as a melting pot of artistic creativity from different strata of society.
According to her, the free entry fair aims to be an immersive showcase of Painting, Photography and Sculpture, providing the general public with a closer look at what emerging artists, and photographers in Nigeria today are up to.
“The exhibition’s title +234Art is an amalgam of Nigeria’s country calling code, and the all-encompassing word, Art, indicating that this experience aims to be a thorough exposition of what Nigerian art looks like today, as well as how it interacts with the larger art community in Africa and beyond. Paintings and sculptures for display will be beautifully curated by local and international experts,” she said.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Dipo Olowookere