By Japhet Alakam

TO many, especially parents who discourage their wards from taking visual art as a profession, recent developments within the art terrain is a pointer to them that art is capable of turning people into millionaires. Apart from raking in millions from sale of art works during art auctions, three millionaires will emerge as the Nigerian Breweries and African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) get set to reward three lucky winners of the 2013 National Art Competition.

Announcing the twelve finalists for the sixth annual National Art Competition in Lagos last week, the organisers disclosed that it is going to be naira rain for the winners as the first prize winner will go home with Two million naira(N2M).The first runner up will get N1.5M while the second runner up will get one million naira (N1m).

According to them, the National Art Competition aims to promote the development of contemporary African art and raise awareness of social issues through the use of creative artistic expression.

*A painting by Nigerian born Bimbo Adenuga

This year, over a hundred

entries were received from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria and twelve finalists were selected by the artist selection committee, led by El Anatsui. The 12 that will jostle for the prizes are:Karimah Ashadu, Alayande Ayanwale, Chidinma Nnorom Chinke, Mary Edoga Chioma, Sesu Tilley-Gyado, Taiye Idahor, Erasmus Onyishi, Olanrewaju Tejuoso, Felicia Okpara Tochukwu, Victoria Udondian, the artist duo Chuka Ejorh & Olamide Udo-Udoma, and the artist duo Halima Abubakar & Zemaye Okediji.

Working on the theme “IDENTITY: Who Do You Think You Are?”, the artistswill explore their views on the relationship between individual and collective identity in Nigeria today and also examine the role of art as a vehicle for social change. The artists will through the theme contribute to the ongoing debate in Nigeria about the value and function of our national identity: do we identify ourselves with our state of origin, or do we accept the communities in which we reside, embracing them as our home? What are our anxieties about our perceived status in society and how has globalization and social media boosted or influenced this status?

The organisers also disclosed that as part of efforts to equip, develop ideas and the message of their work, the finalists were engaged in an Artist Retreat atArt GalleryIkoyi, Lagos between 29 – August 2, 2013 where they had the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and participate in workshops by leading artists, scholars, and practitioners in their fields.

Final project

After the retreat, finalists will also use four months to execute their final project before tGrand Finale and Judging Ceremony which will take place on 24, 2013 , Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mrs Emete Tonukari, NB’s CRS/Sustainability Manager,Nigerian Breweries said that Nigeria Breweries has been partnering with the African Artists’ Foundation to organise the National Art Competition for six consecutive years. And that the competition is part of an effort to encourage and promote the development of creativity, arts and artists in Nigeria. ‘’Nigerian Breweries recognises that arts play an important role in strengthening cultural values in any society. This sponsorship remains only part of a broad initiative to support arts development in Nigeria, as well as the development of talents in various fields of endeavor.’’ she added.

On his part, AAF director, Azu Nwagbogu said that AAF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African art. The Foundation serves a significant role in art and academic communities through organizing art exhibitions, festivals, competitions, residencies, and workshops with the aim of unearthing and developing talent, creating societal awareness, and providing a platform to express creativity.

The National Art Competition is proudly sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, coordinated by Artists’ Foundation (AAF) supported by 24 and Bogobiri Guest House. Media Partners include Vanguard Media Ltd, Mania Magazine, and The Beat 99.9 FM.