260 artists are set to showcase their works at this year’s +234Art Fair scheduled to begin in Victoria Island, Lagos on 27th March 2025.
The fair is a collaboration between Ecobank Nigeria, Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, Soto Gallery and Craneburg Construction Company.
AFC, which is a leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, has formally announced its support for the +234Art Fair, coming on as partners for the second year in a row, saying its involvement aligns with the Corporation’s commitment to empowering and elevating the continent’s youth, with more than 260 young artists having expressed interest to exhibit their works.
The five-day event, with the theme “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art,” will feature the works of emerging and un-galleried artists. The fair will run from March 27th to March 31st at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, in Victoria Island.
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, said while confirming their partnership: “The +234Art Fair aligns with AFC’s advocacy strategy of empowering and elevating Africa’s youthful population, thereby fostering job creation, skills development, value retention and rapid economic growth. We are proud to continue our collaboration with Ecobank to help drive Africa’s creative industry forward by creating a catalyst for promoting African art and artists locally and on the global stage.”
Also, Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, stated that, “As a Pan-African bank, this fair is an important initiative in our commitment to economic growth and investing in Africa’s next generation of talent. It offers emerging artists a unique opportunity to showcase their works to key decision-makers, influencers, and a global audience.”
The founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery Foundation, Mrs. Tola Akerele, emphasized that patronage in the art world goes beyond financial support. According to her: “It’s about building relationships that allow artists to grow and sustain their creative practices. The 2025 edition of the +234 Art Fair aims to show how meaningful support can impact an artist’s journey and the broader art ecosystem, fostering essential connections along the way.”
The +234 Art Fair celebrates the dynamic talents of Nigeria’s emerging artists, offering them a vital platform to share their work with a broader audience. Visitors are expected to experience a wide range of artistic expressions, including painting, sculpture, visual and digital art, installations, and more. The fair will also feature interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for artists, art enthusiasts, and key stakeholders in the creative sector.
A diverse group of attendees, including Nigerians, Africans, international residents, government officials, policymakers, diplomats, and global art lovers are expected to attend the fair.
