In a strategic move to boost Nigeria’s creative economy, Ecobank Nigeria has partnered with Soto Gallery, a leading platform for African art, to support and promote emerging Nigerian artists.
The collaboration is set to provide a crucial lift to the country’s vibrant arts sector, creating opportunities for artists, artisans, and local communities while contributing to broader economic growth.
At the heart of this partnership is the 2025 +234 Art Fair, scheduled to take place from 27 to 31 March 2025 at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event is expected to showcase the works of over 260 artists, highlighting cutting-edge contemporary Nigerian art while offering opportunities for networking, education, and cultural exchange.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Ms Tola Akerele, Founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery, emphasised the fair’s role in preserving Nigerian culture, heritage, and the creative economy. She noted that the visual arts sector is an untapped goldmine, with global demand for African art increasing.
“Our goal is to identify where Nigerian artists stand locally, digitally, and internationally and to better understand the market. We plan to host workshops and panel discussions featuring industry experts to help artists navigate the business side of art,” Akerele said.
She highlighted the need for greater patronage and mentorship in the sector, urging stakeholders to contribute in different ways.
“We have incredible Nigerian artists producing high-quality artwork. While this fair gives them a platform to sell, there are many other ways to support them—you can mentor them, provide workspace, offer financial guidance, or connect them with reputable galleries. Art patronage is a key theme of this year’s event,” she added.
Additionally, Akerele revealed plans for a children’s gallery, where young visitors will be given guided tours of the exhibition to spark their interest in art. “Many people aspire to be artists, but they lack encouragement. We want to change that,” she said.
Also speaking at the briefing, Mrs Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria, stressed the bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa’s creative industry.
“As a pan-African bank, Ecobank is dedicated to helping African SMEs access the global market. Our partnership with Soto Gallery will ensure Nigerian art becomes more competitive and commercially viable,” she stated.
According to Odu, the +234 Art Fair will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and networking, allowing industry professionals to learn, connect, and discover new trends shaping the future of African arts and culture.
The +234 Art Fair, curated by Soto Gallery in collaboration with Ecobank Nigeria and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), is dedicated to young, emerging Nigerian artists who are not yet represented by major galleries. The name ‘+234 Art’ is derived from Nigeria’s country code, symbolising an all-encompassing platform for showcasing the country’s rich artistic talent.
The inaugural edition of the fair took place last year, and with free entry, it seeks to offer an immersive experience featuring painting, photography, and sculpture. Visitors will get an up-close look at the works of emerging Nigerian artists while engaging in discussions on art acquisition, cultural significance, and wealth creation.
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This five-day exhibition, themed “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art,” will feature over 260 artists showcasing contemporary works, panel discussions and workshops aimed at educating artists on business strategies and global market trends, a dedicated children’s gallery to inspire young creatives, opportunities for networking and mentorship between established industry players and emerging talent.
The event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including art collectors, investors, policymakers, diplomats, top government officials, and global art enthusiasts.
Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, operates in 33 African countries and has a presence in London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai. As a full-service bank, it offers wholesale, retail, investment, and transaction banking services to businesses and individuals.
The bank has a strong track record of supporting Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, recognising their role in economic development, tourism, and international connectivity.
Beyond its work in visual arts, Ecobank has sponsored major cultural initiatives, including the Adire Lagos Experience and the Oja Oge Pop-Up Marketplace—both of which celebrate Nigeria’s rich artistic and fashion heritage.
Soto Gallery is a contemporary art centre dedicated to showcasing diverse African perspectives through visual storytelling. It acts as a bridge between emerging and established artists, ensuring Africa’s art scene remains dynamic and inclusive.
As a community-focused space, Soto Gallery is committed to fostering engagement between artists and audiences through immersive exhibitions and educational programmes.
The gallery traces its roots to iDesign Art, which launched in 2018 as an affordable art fair designed to cultivate an appreciation for Nigerian art. Over the years, iDesign Art has nurtured over 200 emerging artists, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s contemporary art landscape.
The partnership between Ecobank and Soto Gallery is a major step towards unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s art industry. Through the +234 Art Fair, the initiative will create opportunities for emerging artists, encourage art patronage, and place Nigerian art on the global map.
With its focus on mentorship, education, and cultural exchange, the event is set to drive significant impact in Nigeria’s creative economy. As more institutions recognise the value of supporting the arts, collaborations like this will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability and global competitiveness of Nigerian artists.
The 2025 +234 Art Fair is poised to be a landmark event—one that not only celebrates Nigeria’s artistic talent but also cements its position as a thriving hub for contemporary African art.
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