By Osa Mbonu-Amadi

The visual arts industry in Nigeria is poised for significant growth, especially for artists under 35. In celebration of NESG’s 30th anniversary, the Africa painting Fund and the organisation are launching a novel programme that begins with a nationwide painting competition open to young artists nationwide.

Submissions close on September 14, and the competition’s ability to give up-and-coming artists a unique platform for visibility and support underscores its significance. In addition, this project is a calculated attempt to support Nigeria’s upcoming generation of artists, leveraging the nation’s increasing recognition on a global scale for its vibrant art scene to potentially improve the country’s creative economic possibilities.

Artists are asked by the organisers to upload their entries by September 14 on either website. A panel of judges will select the top three finalists from a pool of twenty, and at the NESG conference in Abuja in October, they will be given cash prizes of ₦3 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1 million, respectively.

The summit will include an exclusive exhibition of the finalists’ works, followed by an award ceremony. Participants will also gain access to a comprehensive two-month workshop and leadership training programme designed to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in the arts. This programme is consistent with NESG’s aim to foster a private sector-led economy in Nigeria. By collaborating with the Africa Art Fund, NESG hopes to use art as a catalyst for economic growth and development.

According to Ifesinachi Nwanyanwu, president and CEO of Africa Art Fund, this relationship provides a unique chance to promote art as a driver of economic development. As a well-known environmental artist and curator, Nwanyanwu created the Africa Art Fund concept to further this purpose and enable artists to contribute to Nigeria’s economic success. Reflecting on his own experiences as a self-taught visual artist who struggled financially early in his career, Nwanyanwu understood the importance of support mechanisms for artists and creatives to succeed.

As an artist, Nwanyanwu understands the difficulties creatives experience in getting support. His own early professional struggles with financial difficulty and limited resources have driven his desire to help other artists. Nwanyanwu has worked extensively at the gallery he co-curates with Uzodinma Iweala to foster an environment conducive to artistic expression.

However, the notion of the Africa Art Fund became clearer during his participation in the famous International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2023. The US State Department nominated him for community service, and he embarked on a transformative three-week US tour to develop his concept for the fund.

Through his involvement in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Nwanyanwu was able to gain a broader understanding of the art and culture ecosystem and the critical role that charitable funding play in promoting growth. He was motivated to create the Africa Art Fund by this encounter, intending to modify successful models and build an all-encompassing assistance network for Africa’s artistic populace. During the current fiscal year, he hopes to raise over $100 million in funding for creative art activities throughout Africa.

He highlights the value of grassroots involvement and exhorts people to donate to the cause in order to accomplish this. Noting that people and organisations throughout Africa and the diaspora are willing to donate significantly, Nwanyanwu emphasises that community ownership and participation are essential for sustainability. These individuals and organisations recognise the positive effects of art on economic development and communal cohesion. By advocating, giving grants, and taking leadership roles, the Africa Art Fund aims to close the gap in philanthropy and charity in the fields of art and culture, ultimately enabling local people to take charge of the discourse and effect constructive change.

The Africa Art Fund aims to provide financial assistance to a wide range of artistic disciplines, including performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, and more. The fund’s allocation method is transparent and thorough, with a specialised committee managing award distribution based on established criteria. Each proposal is thoroughly reviewed to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, allowing the fund to promote innovative and meaningful projects. Nwanyanwu observes that the local art scene is thriving, with a new generation of artists pushing boundaries and demonstrating their abilities.

On the other hand, the industry faces difficulties like limited government assistance, a lack of specific facilities, and finance limitations. Nwanyanwu thinks the scene has room to flourish despite these challenges with the support of the public and commercial sectors. The Africa Art Fund intends to address these issues through strategic leadership, grantmaking, and advocacy over the next five years in order to ultimately foster a thriving and sustainable creative ecosystem. The fund recognises the power of art and creativity to drive economic development and promote social cohesion.