By Osa Mbonu-Amadi, Arts Editor

The inaugural edition of The Benin Art Fair, T-BAF, has been scheduled to hold from November 29 to December 8, 2024.

The venue of the exhibition is Abstract Backyard, Aiguobasimwin Crescent, G.R.A., Benin City, Edo State.

According to a statement released by the organizers of the fair, the “dynamic ten-day art fair aims to reclaim Edo State’s prominence in the contemporary art discourse within Nigeria and across Africa, and also to honor Edo State’s rich artistic heritage while providing a platform for traditional and contemporary artists from the region.”

The Benin Art Fair, directed by James Irabor, seeks to bring the attention of the world to Edo State’s exceptional creative culture, redefining the narrative of its unique artistic legacy, the statement read.

Also speaking at a press conference recently in Lagos to announce TBAF, Adetiloye Oluwatosin Jekami, National programs Director of Thought Pyramid Art Centre told Vanguard that the organizers of the fair “want to use TBAF to restore the artistic prestige of Benin City. So many things are happening in Benin, but they are not well documented. The essence of the fair is also to celebrate the masters.”

Adetiloye said the fair will also include young artists who are either born, reside in or create from Benin. “The essence is to show people the level at which art is moving in Benin. When we talk about (Benin) art, what comes to people’s mind is the bronze heads. This art fair is meant to put it in people’s consciousness that Benin is not all about old school.”        

The mission and vision of TBAF is to revitalize Edo State’s creative culture, establishing it as a premier global arts and culture destination; elevate Edo State’s international reputation for artistic talent, emphasizing its contributions to both local and global art scenes; and to reshape the global narrative around Edo State’s artistic heritage and contemporary accomplishments.

The Benin Art Fair is expected to begin with private viewing on November 29 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., affording invited guests the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive preview.  November 30 – December 8 will be daily public viewing from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. There will also be live wood sculpting and performance art on November 30.

Eminent artists like Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya and Enotie Ogbebor will deliver keynote talks and discussions centered around bridging traditional and contemporary art practices. There will also be panel discussions on art education, cultural preservation, and the role of photography in capturing history.

Benin Art Fair Concert Night comes on December 7 from 7:00 p.m., featuring celebrated Edo music legends. The fair will also feature antiques & cultural shows, contemporary art exhibition, and photography festival. There will be free sip and paint on December 1, from 6:00p.m. – 7:00p.m.

The Benin Art Fair is supported by Hyde Energy, Abstract Backyard, Abstract Restaurant, Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Coronation, Platform, Gramen Petroserve, Kellog Tolaram, Trustbanc, The Lakeyard Cultural Centre, Prime Agro Seeds, Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism Edo State, Edo State Government, The Osa Okunbo Foundation, Stella Stars Sports Academy Benin City, AK&CO., Daz Teea Cosmetics, etc.