By Esther Onyegbula

No fewer than 400 artists from across Nigeria are showcasing more than 1,000 artworks at the third edition of the +234 Art Fair in Lagos, as organisers expand the platform to promote inclusivity and provide greater visibility for emerging talents.

The fair, which attracted over 1,500 submissions this year, selected works across multiple categories including digital art, painting, sculpture and photography, marking a significant increase from previous editions that featured about 200 artists.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, NGA, Mr. Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, stressed the need for stronger institutional structures and policies to enable Nigerian artists build sustainable careers beyond temporary recognition.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Beyond the Moment: Building a Sustainable Career in Visual Art,” Sodangi said while exhibitions and viral recognition can propel artists into the spotlight, such moments often fail to translate into long-term professional growth without adequate institutional support.

“In today’s creative economy, visibility can happen quickly. An exhibition, an art fair or a viral moment can elevate an artist overnight. But moments, no matter how powerful, are temporary. What defines a true career in visual art is sustainability, the ability to build structure, credibility and economic value that lasts beyond applause and trends,” he said.

According to him, sustainability in the art sector requires strong systems such as documentation, regulation, access to markets, professional standards and institutional backing.
“Sustainability requires more than talent. It requires systems. Without these foundations, even the most gifted artists struggle to convert recognition into long-term growth,” Sodangi added.

He also highlighted the career trajectory of Nigerian curator, Kunbi Oni, as an example of professional longevity built on expertise and institutional engagement.
Sodangi further disclosed that the National Gallery of Art is strengthening regulatory frameworks, including the Artwork Travel Permit and Certification initiative, to ensure proper documentation and responsible international movement of Nigerian artworks.

He added that the gallery is also developing an NGA Marketplace aimed at linking artists with collectors, institutions and new audiences.

“A sustainable career must have a viable market. Visibility without access to buyers and structured engagement cannot build generational success,” he said.

GM/CEO National Theater, Founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery
Tola Akerele, said the exhibition was created primarily to provide a platform for emerging artists who often lack opportunities to showcase their work.
According to her, the theme of this year’s edition focuses on inclusivity, prompting organisers to embark on a nationwide outreach across 17 states to discover talents in underserved communities.

“We know that many artists across Nigeria are extremely talented but do not always have platforms to showcase their work. This fair is designed to bring their works to public attention and allow people engage with them,” she said.
Akerele explained that the outreach tour, which lasted over a month, covered regions in the North, East and South-West and was documented in a film supported by the Osahon Okunbo Foundation.
She added that the fair also coincides with Women’s Month, drawing attention to the challenges faced by female artists who often drop out of the profession due to lack of support.

Curatorial Lead of the fair, Eyimofe Ideh, said the expanded outreach significantly increased participation and diversity among artists.

According to her, organisers realised that previous editions mostly attracted participants from states close to Lagos, prompting the decision to travel across the country to reach artists in distant regions.
“We travelled to 17 states across the north, south and east to ensure artists in far regions were aware of the fair and could participate,” she said.
Ideh noted that some artists expressed appreciation for the initiative, explaining that distance and logistics often discourage them from sending artworks to exhibitions in Lagos.

She added that organisers also provided sponsorship support to transport artworks from some states to the exhibition venue.
Ideh further said the fair offers art collectors an opportunity to acquire works at relatively affordable prices, with some pieces starting from N100,000.
“For people trying to get into the art space, this fair is a good platform to start buying art because the works are affordable,” she said.

Also speaking, Head of SME, Partnerships and Collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odun, said the bank’s support for the fair aligns with its commitment to promoting creative enterprises and small businesses across Africa.

According to her, the art sector forms part of the broader creative economy which has significant potential to contribute to economic growth.
“Platforms like +234 Art Fair provide the stage for visibility, inclusion and economic viability for emerging artists. It is about ensuring that the global stage sees what talented Nigerians can offer,” she said.

Project Manager of the fair, Joanna Oyefeso, described the organisation of the exhibition as a complex but rewarding process, noting that coordinating curators, designers and other teams required extensive collaboration.

Despite the challenges, she expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the fair had successfully brought together diverse artistic voices from across the country.