Only 150 out of 1,000 applicants selected for 2025 art fair —Akerele

 

Founder of +234 Art, Ms. Tola Akerele, has disclosed that only 150 artists out of 1000 applications were selected for 2025.

Akerele, who made this known at the ongoing event, noted that the selection process took six weeks.

According to her, the artists were selected across the lines of 2D, 3D and Digital Arts. 

This was just as she reiterated the commitment of the +234 Art Fair to supporting emerging Nigerian artists, especially those without gallery representation.

The founder highlighted the fair’s efforts in fostering inclusivity and providing a platform for young talents across the country.

Different from preceding fairs, the founder said it also includes a children’s gallery, doubling in size due to high demand from last year.

While touching on the theme of the 2025 Fair, Tola said patronage isn’t just about buying art but includes mentorship, providing studio spaces, financial advice, and connecting artists with the right galleries.

“We do an open call every year to ensure that artists from all over Nigeria have an opportunity to showcase their work.

“This year, we had over 1000 applications from these young artists in different parts of the country.

“But just 150 were selected within the period of six weeks.

“The +234 Art Fair features four main pavilions: 2D (traditional fine art), 3D (sculpture and photography), and digital art. Last year’s theme focused on heritage and culture, while this year’s edition emphasizes patronage—encouraging individuals and institutions to support Nigerian artists in meaningful ways.

“Our aim is to encourage emerging artists, particularly those outside Lagos, by giving them visibility and a chance to grow within the industry.

“How can we support artists as patrons? How can we inspire the next generation and build an ecosystem that truly promotes them?

“Previous editions have propelled many participants into global recognition, with some securing representation in international galleries and museums.

“This year, the fair also includes a children’s gallery, doubling in size due to high demand from last year. Many young people aspire to be artists, but societal pressures push them toward conventional careers. We want to show them that art can be a viable profession.

“Patronage isn’t just about buying art; it includes mentorship, providing studio spaces, financial advice, and connecting artists with the right galleries,” Akerele said.

Head SME, Partnerships and Collaboration, Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Omoboye Odu, said the goal is to highlight the best of Nigeria’s creative sector and ensure these artists get the recognition they deserve.

Odu explained that the five-day event is open to the public with free entry, providing an opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts to explore and support Nigeria’s growing creative industry.

She noted that Ecobank plays a key role in promoting tourism, culture, and the creative industries, in line with its Pan-African policy of advancing art across the continent, adding that it recognizes the creative industry as an essential driver of economic growth, well-being, and global connectivity.

Omoboye also stated that Ecobank Nigeria is behind key cultural initiatives like the annual Adire Lagos Experience and the Oja Oge Pop-Up Marketplace.

“The goal is to highlight the best of Nigeria’s creative sector and ensure these artists get the recognition they deserve,” she added.

“The five-day event is open to the public with free entry, providing an opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts to explore and support Nigeria’s growing creative industry.

“Ecobank plays a key role in promoting tourism, culture, and the creative industries, in line with its Pan-African policy of advancing art across the continent,” she added.

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