Lagos is set to close the year with a burst of colour, culture, and digital innovation as Artwyn, the cultural initiative founded by Winnie Okpapi-Owu, prepares to host the ninth edition of PleinAir Lagos.

Scheduled to run from December 18 to 28, the 2025 programme will, for the first time, hold entirely online—inviting global audiences to witness Lagos through the eyes of its artists.

The annual event, which has become a staple on the city’s arts calendar, continues to expand its influence as a platform for creative expression, community building, and cultural exchange. Since its launch nearly a decade ago, PleinAir Lagos has played a defining role in making visual art more accessible and reflective of contemporary Lagos life.

Okpapi-Owu, who has led the initiative from inception, describes the project as “a living, evolving canvas for the city.” Speaking ahead of this year’s edition, she noted that PleinAir’s greatest achievement remains its ability to connect artists, institutions, and audiences around shared experiences.

“From collaborating with cultural organisations to mentoring emerging talent, PleinAir Lagos consistently demonstrates the impact of art on individuals, communities, and cities,” she said.

This year has Eirini Creatives as Technical Partner to support the execution of the virtual edition, and are already working with Artwyn on plans for a landmark tenth-anniversary physical event in 2026.

At the centre of the 2025 programme is an online art contest and exhibition themed “Serendipitous Strokes: Art in the Moment.” Artists from Lagos and beyond are invited to submit works inspired by the spontaneity of creative discovery—those unexpected sparks that give rise to striking compositions. Selected works will be showcased in a digital exhibition space, allowing visitors from anywhere in the world to navigate Lagos’ visual stories at their own pace.

“Every brushstroke in PleinAir is an invitation—to see differently, and to allow the world to see us differently too,” Okpapi-Owu added, emphasizing the spirit behind this year’s theme.

Organisers say the fully virtual format will serve as a bridge for artistic and cultural dialogue across borders. The programme is open to professional artists, students, hobbyists, and anyone with a passion for visual culture. With geography no longer a barrier, the initiative hopes to attract a broader, more diverse cohort of participants and viewers.

Looking ahead, Eirini confirms that PleinAir Lagos will return to physical form in 2026, with expanded workshops, exhibitions, and in-person engagements aimed at strengthening Lagos’ position as a dynamic hub for artistic excellence.