Nigeria’s creative industry is a dynamic tapestry woven with threads of innovation, diversity, and cultural richness.

From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Abuja, this vibrant sector encompasses a myriad of artistic disciplines, spanning music, film, fashion, literature, visual arts, and more. As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria’s creative industry not only fuels cultural expression but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and social transformation.

Ecobank Nigeria Limited on Thursday demonstrated readiness to support the creative sector as it has collaborated with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Soto Gallery to present the inaugural +234 Art Fair.

The aim of this international art exhibition is to provide a platform for young, unrepresented Nigerian artists, offering them opportunities to showcase their work both locally and globally.

Speaking at a media parley, Bolaji Lawal, managing director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, reiterated the bank’s commitment to promoting the creative industry in Nigeria and across Africa. Lawal emphasized the fair’s dedication to nurturing and uplifting the burgeoning art industry in Nigeria, aiming to support emerging artists and stimulate interest in art acquisition, thus contributing to the growth and international recognition of the local art sector.

Themed ‘A New Heritage,’ the maiden edition of the fair is designed to serve as a melting pot of artistic creativity, showcasing paintings, photography, and sculptures from different strata of Nigerian society. The free-entry fair seeks to provide an immersive showcase of emerging art talent, offering opportunities for cultural resonance, wealth creation, learning experiences, networking, and social impact.

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The +234 Art Fair, spanning 10 days from March 22nd to 31st, will be held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), a 2,000 square meter exhibition center. The event is expected to attract attendees from various walks of life, including Nigerians, Africans, non-African residents in Nigeria, government officials, policymakers, members of the diplomatic corps, and art enthusiasts worldwide.

Named after Nigeria’s country calling code, the +234 Art Fair aims to serve as a hub for artistic expression, featuring paintings, sculptures, curated photography, and immersive installations. Tola Akerele, Founder of Soto Gallery and Curator of the fair, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Ecobank and AFC in amplifying the voices of young Nigerian artists who may not have had traditional gallery representation.

Akerele emphasized the fair’s role in providing a platform for these artists to showcase their talent and contribute to the growth and recognition of Nigeria’s vibrant art scene.

In addition to diverse art exhibits, the fair will feature an art-centric bookstore, children’s area, VIP lounge, culinary offerings, and engaging workshops. Lawal reaffirmed Ecobank’s commitment to supporting the creative industry through various initiatives, including organizing exhibitions and commissioning art studios.

The +234 Art Fair promises to attract a wide audience, ranging from government officials to art enthusiasts and aims to foster a dynamic environment for artistic expression while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Nigeria through the collaborative efforts of Ecobank, AFC, and Soto Gallery.

Hope Moses-Ashike is an Associate Editor, Banking and Finance, with more than a decade of experience reporting on Nigeria’s financial system and broader economy. She closely tracks market movements, monetary policy decisions, company disclosures, regulatory actions, economic indicators, and global developments, and interprets what they mean for businesses, investors, policymakers, and households. Her reporting helps readers understand complex issues such as inflation trends, foreign exchange market dynamics, interest rate decisions, bank performance, and investment risks. She also covers major international events and periodically travels to Washington, D.C., to report on the World Bank/IMF Spring and Annual Meetings. Her dedication to financial journalism has earned her multiple recognitions and invitations to high-level professional development programmes. She is an alumna of the International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) in the United States and holds an Advanced Financial Journalism Certificate from the Press Association Training in London, UK. Her other notable achievements include completing the Lagos Business School CMC Programme, the Bloomberg Media Africa Initiative Programme, and a Master Class in Journalism at Rhodes University in South Africa.

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