Emerging young artists, who participated at the just concluded 2026 Ecobank Art Fair, Lagos, have stated that exhibiting their art works at the fair has encouraged and empowered them for greater heights in their careers.
The fair featured over 400 emerging and established artists. Israel Ashele, a young debuting artist, from Yaba College of Technology Yabatech, Lagos, revealed that exhibiting his artworks at the fair tagged 3.0 was an incredible experience for him.
Ashele’s unique oil paintings and Odeshi army sculpture were outstanding. Another artist, Michael Opeyemi, aka Eleniyan, also from Yabatech, who was making a return to the fair, stated that the fair is grounding, affirming that it has aided his evolving as an artist.
About one thousand artworks from artists nationwide were on exhibition at the week-long annual art fair, supported by Ecobank. It was held at her head office in Victoria Island, Lagos. It featured digital arts, 2D/Fine arts, sculptures and photography.
This was a significant increase from previous editions that exhibited only about 200 artists.
Delivering his keynote address at the fair themed, “Inclusivity” Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, Director-General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), called for the need for stronger institutional structures and policies to enable Nigerian artists build sustainable careers beyond temporary recognition.
“Sustainability in the art sector requires strong systems such as documentation, regulation, access to markets, professional standards and institutional backing.”
The head of SME, Partnerships and Collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odun, who represented the managing director, Bolaji Lawal, gave the assurance that the bank will continue to support the +234 Art Fair.
“This is because the fair provides the stage for visibility, inclusion and economic viability for emerging artists. It ensures that the global stage sees what talented Nigerians can offer,” she said.
The general manager, National Arts Theater, Lagos, Tola Akerele expressed her joy for fulfilling her vision for the fair.
