By Jimoh Babatunde

Ibadan is set for a major cultural showcase as Constance and Sons Art Gallery presents The Coalition, a large-scale contemporary art exhibition scheduled to hold from April 24 to 26 at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

The exhibition will feature about 60 artists and over 600 artworks, making it one of the largest art showcases ever staged in Africa and among the most ambitious globally.

Organisers say the event represents a significant milestone for Nigeria’s art scene, highlighting the growing capacity of locally driven initiatives to deliver projects of international scale.

Constance and Sons Art Gallery, known for its innovative approach, said the exhibition is designed to push the boundaries of traditional art showcases by bringing together diverse artistic expressions under one platform.

Beyond its size, The Coalition aims to celebrate artistic diversity, uniting different styles, mediums and perspectives into a single, cohesive narrative.

The choice of the IITA as venue is also expected to enhance the experience, offering a serene and expansive setting that encourages engagement, reflection and dialogue among visitors.

Stakeholders say the collaboration between the gallery, the exhibition concept and the venue creates a unique cultural experience, blending creativity with an environment suited for large-scale artistic display.

For collectors and art enthusiasts, the exhibition provides an opportunity to explore and acquire a wide range of works within a curated space, catering to both established and emerging collectors.

Observers note that the initiative reflects a broader shift in global perception of African art, with locally led platforms increasingly taking centre stage through innovation and scale.

The event is also expected to reinforce Ibadan’s reputation as a growing hub for major cultural and creative events in Nigeria.

The Coalition will be open to the public throughout the three-day exhibition period.