The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a prominent infrastructure development institution, has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Africa’s burgeoning creative sector by partnering with the +234Art Fair for the second consecutive year. This partnership underscores AFC’s broader strategic objective of empowering Africa’s youth and fostering economic growth through various avenues, including the arts. Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, emphasized the alignment of the art fair with the corporation’s advocacy for youth empowerment, skills development, and value retention within the continent. He highlighted the potential of the creative industry to drive economic growth and generate employment opportunities, thereby contributing to Africa’s overall development. AFC’s involvement signals a growing recognition of the arts as a vital component of a diversified and thriving economy.
The +234Art Fair, organized by Soto Gallery in collaboration with Ecobank Nigeria, AFC, and Craneburg Construction Company, serves as a platform to showcase and promote African art and artists, both locally and internationally. The fair provides emerging and un-galleried artists with valuable exposure to potential patrons, collectors, and influencers, thereby facilitating connections and opportunities for career advancement. This year’s theme, “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art,” emphasizes the crucial role of support in fostering the growth and sustainability of artistic practices. Beyond mere financial assistance, patronage encompasses the development of meaningful relationships that nurture artists’ creative journeys and contribute to the overall vibrancy of the art ecosystem.
Ecobank Nigeria, a key partner of the +234Art Fair, shares AFC’s vision of investing in Africa’s next generation of talent and promoting economic development through the arts. Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, reiterated the bank’s commitment to fostering growth and supporting emerging artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their work to a global audience. This partnership reflects a growing trend among financial institutions to recognize the economic and cultural significance of the arts and their potential to contribute to sustainable development. The collaboration between AFC, Ecobank, and Soto Gallery exemplifies a synergistic approach to fostering the creative sector through public-private partnerships.
The +234Art Fair also underscores the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships in advancing the arts and culture sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, including financial institutions, construction companies, and art galleries, the fair creates a dynamic ecosystem that supports artistic expression, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters economic growth. The involvement of Craneburg Construction Company further highlights the increasing recognition of the arts as a vital aspect of urban development and community building. This collaborative approach underscores the potential of cross-sector partnerships to unlock the full potential of the creative economy.
Tola Akerele, founder of +234Art Fair and Soto Gallery Foundation, emphasized the multifaceted nature of patronage in the art world, extending beyond financial support to encompass the development of relationships that nurture artistic growth. Akerele highlighted the significance of building connections between artists, patrons, and other stakeholders to create a thriving art ecosystem. The 2025 edition of the fair aims to demonstrate the profound impact of meaningful support on artists’ trajectories and the broader art landscape, fostering essential connections and fostering a sense of community. The fair serves as a testament to the power of collective action in promoting artistic expression and cultural development.
The five-day event, scheduled to take place from March 27th to 31st at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, will showcase the works of emerging and un-galleried artists, providing them with a platform to gain recognition and connect with potential patrons. The fair’s accessibility, with daily opening hours from 10:00 am, encourages public engagement with the arts and promotes wider appreciation for contemporary African art. By providing a platform for both established and emerging artists, the +234Art Fair contributes to the ongoing development of a vibrant and dynamic art scene in Nigeria and beyond. The fair’s focus on emerging artists underscores the importance of nurturing new talent and providing opportunities for their growth and development within the creative ecosystem.
