By Prisca Sam-Duru

“The theme for this year’s edition of the  National Art competition “Shifting Boundaries”, is an exploration of the porous, situational, and ever changing concept of the boundary through artworks that will discuss and embody what a boundary was, is, and will become in the 21st century.”

From left, Ifedayo Durosimi-Eti, AAF Director, Azu Nwagbogu and Corporate Affairs Adviser, N B Plc., Mr. Kufre Ekanem

Those were the words of the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Kufre Ekanem, during a press briefing in Lagos, announcing call for entries for the 9th edition of the competition.

Following the announcement,  interested participants to send proposals in writing accompanied with a sketch, a short plan of their interpretation and creative approach to the theme.

Sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc. and organised by African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), the National Art Competition aims to promote the conceptual development of contemporary art in Nigeria with the mission of raising awareness on relevant social issues through the use of creative artistic expression. The National Art Competition has showcased emerging talent in such diverse mediums as painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation, and video art.

This year’s competition is open to all mediums. With a focus on the processes of artistic creation, artists are asked to submit a proposal for an unrealized work. Applicants will be selected based on their written proposals and  Ddeadline for submission of work – September , 2016.

Based on the submitted proposals, 12 finalists will be shortlisted and invited to partake in a retreat at an exclusive location which will result in the creation of works to be exhibited at the NAC Grande finale and exhibition.”

Artists are expected to create works that reconcile, deconstruct, and develop the works around the theme “Shifting Boundaries” that addressed contemporary world especially as it relates to the nation, state, and society.

Mr Ekanem disclosed that iconic artist, Professor El Anatsui, will head the artistic selection committee that will determine this year’s winners. Winner of the competition receives a cash prize of Two Million Naira in addition to enjoying national and international exposure and exhibition opportunities.  Winners of Outstanding Production and Outstanding Concept will get a cash prize of One Million Naira each.

He said Nigerian Breweries Plc. had partnered with the African Artists’ Foundation to organise the National Art Competition for six consecutive years adding, “This is part of an effort to encourage and promote the development of creativity, arts and artists in Nigeria.

Nigerian Breweries recognises that arts play an important role in strengthening cultural values in any society. This sponsorship remains only part of a broad initiative to support arts development in Nigeria, as well as the development of talents in various fields of endeavour,” Ekanem said.

AAF Director Mr Azu Nwagbogu said “We feel very proud that we’ve been able to create a legacy by building an institution that is a wonderful reference for emerging artists all over the country and the wonderful thing about NAC is that the artists who have been through the competition are making wonderful impact.”