Ecobank Nigeria has entered a strategic partnership with Soto Gallery to organize an international art exhibition for emerging young Nigerian artists.

 

 

Tagged, +234Art, the exhibition,  a 10-day art fair in the heart of Lagos,  scheduled to commence on Friday, 22nd March, 2024, is dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry in Nigeria by providing a platform to support emerging artists and enhance  interests in art acquisition, thereby contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local art sector and its international recognition.

 

 

Managing Director/Regional Executive, Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, said the partnership is in line with the Pan African Bank’s policy of promoting the creative industry in the country and African continent.

 

 

“Our objective at Ecobank is to project Nigerian creatives by highlighting their talents, 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.

 

 

Specifically, he extended an invitation to ‘un-galleried’ emerging Nigerian Artists to submit applications for their participation in the international art exhibition, stressing that they stand to gain wide reaching exposure that would enhance their works.

 

 

‘Un-galleried artists’ typically refer to artists who don’t have representation or exhibition opportunities through traditional art galleries. These artists usually face challenges in gaining exposure and selling their creative work,” he added.

 

 

The Founder, Soto Gallery,  Tola Akerele, stated that the maiden edition of the event would have its thematic focus woven around  ‘A New Heritage’,  and it is designed to serve as a melting pot of artistic creativity from different strata of the 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.

 

 

“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 added.