Ecobank Pan African Centre to host the +234Art Fair on March 22

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the leading provider of infrastructure solutions in Africa, has partnered with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery to organize the +234Art Fair. This international exhibition aims to promote African art and its artists and will showcase over a thousand works of art from emerging and “un-galleried” artists. The exhibition will take place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, starting from Friday, March 22nd.

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, emphasized that the +234Art Fair aligns with AFC’s strategy of empowering Africa’s youth and promoting job creation, skills development, and economic growth. He expressed pride in collaborating with Ecobank to drive the creative industry in Africa and provide a platform for African artists to gain recognition locally and globally.

Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, highlighted their shared objective of supporting African creatives, including visual artists, by nurturing talent and providing opportunities for artists to showcase their works. He expressed excitement about the fair and the interest it has generated among young and emerging artists.

Curated by Soto Gallery, a leading art collection in Africa, the collaborative effort between Ecobank and AFC aims to stimulate the creative sector by empowering emerging artists to gain recognition and sustainable livelihoods. This initiative contributes to economic growth through the sale of artworks both locally and internationally.

In addition to presenting artwork, +234Art Fair will concentrate on honing the creative abilities of participating artists through workshops conducted by established local and international artists. A series of dialogues involving artists, collectors, gallerists, and exhibition attendees will provide valuable insights into the global art scene.

The exhibition’s name, ‘+234Art,’ merges Nigeria’s country dialing code with the concept of art to offer a comprehensive exploration of the current state of regional art and its interaction with the broader art community across the continent and beyond.

The thematic focus of the inaugural exhibition, ‘A New Heritage,’ embodies a fusion of artistic creativity from various backgrounds and regions, as stated by Tola Akerele, the Founder of Soto Gallery. “By presenting ‘A New Heritage,’ +234Art Fair aims to bridge Nigerian art from the past to the present, nurturing a sense of pride and purpose among emerging artists

The event raises fundamental questions: What defines a Nigerian artist? What cultural heritage influences our artistic expression? How can we honor emerging artists, recognizing their role in shaping our artistic heritage and legacy for the future?”Numerous artworks have already been delivered to the 2,000 square meter venue in anticipation of the exhibition.

The +234Art Fair offers a range of exciting features:

1. Diverse art exhibits: Explore a variety of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, curated photography from Lagos Photo, and captivating art installations. Each piece is priced to encourage a thriving local art market.
2. Art-centric bookstore: Discover a carefully curated collection of publications that celebrate the vibrancy of African arts and culture.
3. Immersive children’s area: Nurture young minds with a dedicated art tour and a delightful play area, designed to engage and inspire our youngest art enthusiasts.
4. VIP lounge: Indulge in the exclusive ambiance of our VIP lounge, where connoisseurs can fully immerse themselves in the artistic atmosphere.
5. Culinary delights: Treat your taste buds to a rich culinary experience at our in-house food court, offering a diverse range of delectable dishes.
6. Engaging masterclasses and workshops: Participate in thought-provoking conversations, interactive sessions, and creative workshops that provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and artistic exploration.