+234 Art Fair Returns: Celebrating Inclusivity in Nigerian Art
Opening Doors for Emerging Artists
The highly anticipated +234 Art Fair is set to take place at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Victoria Island from Thursday to Sunday. This third edition is particularly notable for its commitment to inclusivity and the expansion of opportunities for emerging artists from Nigeria.
A Collaborative Initiative
Organized by Ecobank Nigeria in collaboration with Soto Gallery, and in partnership with the African Finance Corporation, the fair serves as a vital platform for unrepresented and emerging talents within the Nigerian art scene. The initiative underscores the need for greater visibility and representation within the art ecosystem.
Theme for 2026: "Inclusivity: Widening the Frame"
This year’s theme, “Inclusivity: Widening the Frame,” is designed to amplify underrepresented voices in art. The goal is to foster a more comprehensive representation of Nigeria’s diverse artistic landscape.
Bridging the Gap Between Art and Business
Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs at Ecobank Nigeria, highlighted the event’s significance in bridging the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship. Reflecting on the concept of inclusivity, she emphasized the importance of improving market access for young artists and encouraging meaningful dialogue between the art sector and business communities.
Odu remarked, “When most people hear ‘+234’, we think of a phone number. But this week, Nigeria is calling the world, and the world is answering,” illustrating Nigeria’s vibrant creative economy as both scalable and exportable.
Connecting Artists to Wider Markets
The founder of Soto Gallery and fair curator, Tola Akerele, described the event as a movement aimed at amplifying Nigerian voices. A dedicated curatorial team traveled across 17 states in Nigeria over a span of 33 days to engage and recruit artists in underserved communities, ensuring the participation of talents beyond traditional art spaces.
Growth of the Fair
Since its inception, the +234 Art Fair has shown remarkable growth. The previous editions in 2024 and 2025 attracted over 18,000 visitors and showcased more than 1,100 artworks. The number of participating artists increased from 200 in 2024 to 260 in 2025, making the event a trending topic on social media during both occurrences.
Supporting Africa’s Creative Industries
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the African Finance Corporation, emphasized that the organization’s ongoing partnership signifies their commitment to unlocking the economic potential of Africa’s creative industries. “Now in our third year of supporting the +234 Art Fair, we remain committed to championing platforms that unlock the commercial and cultural value of Africa’s creative industries,” he stated.
What to Expect at the Fair
The free-entry exhibition will showcase an array of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and children’s art. Attendees can look forward to various activities, including masterclasses, panel discussions that connect finance and the arts, live art installations, and networking sessions.
Ecobank Nigeria’s engagement with the creative sector extends beyond the art fair, with initiatives such as Adire Lagos, Oja Oge, and the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, reinforcing their commitment to nurturing talent and creativity in Nigeria.
Join the Celebration
The +234 Art Fair is not just a celebration of art; it is a platform advocating for inclusivity and opportunity within the Nigerian creative sector. This event promises to be an enriching experience for artists, art lovers, and business professionals alike.
For more information, visit Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery.
