BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Following the resounding success of its debut, Soto Gallery, in collaboration with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and lead sponsor Craneburg Construction Company, announces the second edition of the +234 Art Fair. Scheduled for March 27th–31st, 2025, the event will unfold at Ecobank’s Pan African Center (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, daily from 10 a.m.
Under the theme “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art,” the 2025 edition will delve into how patronage fuels the evolution and resilience of Nigeria’s art landscape. The fair seeks to elevate young, independent Nigerian artists by offering them visibility both domestically and globally. This year’s edition will highlight influential patrons and collectors who, behind-the-scenes, have made contributions that have propelled the industry forward.
Mrs. Tola Akerele, Founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery Foundation, shared her enthusiasm for the event’s growing impact. She stressed that patronage transcends monetary aid, emphasizing its role in cultivating relationships that enable artists to grow and innovate.
“Art thrives in environments where the practice is nurtured by a community committed to its growth, and the 2025 edition of the +234 Art Fair aims to facilitate those essential connections. By providing a dynamic platform for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to interact, the fair will demonstrate how meaningful support can shape an artist’s journey and enhance the broader art ecosystem,” she remarked.
Reflecting on the 2024 edition, Mrs. Akerele added, “We are proud of the achievements of the inaugural fair and are committed to continuing to provide opportunities for ‘un-galleried’ Nigerian artists to showcase their incredible skills, elevating their work on both the local and global art stages.”
Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, reiterated the bank’s dedication to empowering Africa’s creative economy. “The creative industry is a vital driver of economic growth and global connectivity, and we are proud to invest in the next generation of African talent. By providing platforms for emerging artists, we aim to support the growth and international recognition of Nigeria’s flourishing art scene,” he affirmed.
The 2025 fair will offer a rich cultural experience, displaying paintings, photography, and sculptures that capture Nigeria’s diverse societal narratives. With free admission, the event prioritizes cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and opportunities for education, networking, and social impact.
Complementing the exhibitions, the fair will host an art-focused bookstore, a children’s zone, a VIP lounge, culinary experiences, and interactive workshops. Attendees will include local and international art enthusiasts, government officials, diplomats, policymakers, and global collectors.
Visionary institutional patrons like Ecobank, Craneburg, AFC, and TOOF have been instrumental in amplifying the fair’s mission to spotlight emerging Nigerian artists.
2024 Event Milestones
– Over 1,000 open-call submissions
– 10,000+ visitors across 10 days (averaging 900 daily)
– Ranked #1 trending topic on X (formerly Twitter)
– Featured 700+ artworks from 200 artists and 31 facilitators across 12 masterclasses
About Soto Gallery Foundation
SOTO Gallery Foundation, based in Ikoyi, Lagos, is a community-driven space reimagining artistic engagement through immersive exchanges, education, and transformative African art experiences. Launched in September 2022, it hosts the +234 Art Fair and an annual residency program.
About Ecobank Nigeria
Ecobank Nigeria, part of the Ecobank Group operating in 35 African nations and key global hubs, drives pan-African trade and financial inclusion. Leveraging digital tools like the Ecobank Mobile App, USSD *326#, and 50,000+ agency locations, it aims to lead in facilitating cross-border commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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