…This year’s show exceeds the last one.
Since Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Nigerian visual arts community and the general public alike have been equally excited by the amazing works created by emerging young Nigerian artists who are not yet enrolled in galleries at this year’s +234 Art Fair.
The art fair, currently being held at the Ecobank Pan-African Center (EPAC), a 2,000 square meter exhibition facility on Victoria Island in Lagos, is well worth a visit.
Additionally, the 2026 theme will offer more content to visitors, intentionally focusing on “Inclusion: Expanding the Framework,” a theme that resonates with the ideals of Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery, two initiators and key partners, African Finance Corporation (AFC), among other sponsors.
Over the four-day period (March 5th to 8th, 2026), a wide variety of participants will participate, including government officials, policy makers, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, art collectors, creators, and enthusiasts from inside and outside Nigeria.
Adding to the excitement are curated exhibitions, panel discussions, live art installations, masterclasses, workshops and high-level networking sessions designed to deepen engagement between the art and financial communities.
However, those who have been to the exhibition, where admission is free, can attest to the ingenuity of the artists and the number of creative works on display. From paintings, photography, sculptures, digital art, and children’s art, our work speaks volumes of incredible creativity.
However, it provides the public with an immersive opportunity to engage directly with the next generation of Nigerian creatives while fostering cultural resonance, talent discovery, wealth creation, learning, networking and social impact.
That’s why the fair, which is being held in the 2,000 square meter EPAC exhibition facility, features over 400 artists and over 1,000 artworks across multiple mediums on display.
But before reaching this level, Tola Akerele, the fair’s organizer and founder of SOTO Gallery, who also serves as General Manager and CEO of the Lagos National Theatre, and his team embarked on a 33-day journey across 17 states in Nigeria in search of underserved communities.
“So we went north, we went east, we went to the southwest, and we documented the journey,” Akerele said.
The team’s hard work and sacrifice paid off as more artists learned about the fair. “So we had a lot more entries than usual. This year we had over 1,500 entries,” said Mr. Akerele excitedly.
Given that the show is curated, the team has selected from the best artists, resulting in over 300 artists participating in this year’s art fair, almost double the number from last year.
Above are the top reasons why the 2026 edition of +234 Art Fair is worth visiting. It was surrounded by carefully selected works, had a large number of artists, and was well researched.
There are also documentaries supported by the Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), as well as digital art, 2D art, fine art, sculpture and photography, which are doing very well this year.
With all this going on for the art fair, Akerele, who is also the curator of the +234 art fair, said the fair is more than just an exhibition. “This is a movement that amplifies the voices of Nigerians, celebrates our stories and connects our artists to wider markets in Africa and beyond.”
Also explaining the essence of the theme, she said, “Inclusion reflects our determination to expand expression and reimagine visibility within art spaces.”
“We also focus on women. We have noticed that in the Nigerian art market, a lot of female artists leave after a while. Maybe they get married, but there is no encouragement or support.”
As Ecobank Nigeria, we are excited to continue organizing the fair and impacting the lives of artists especially those seeking an explosive platform.
Commenting on the rationale for sponsoring the fair, Ecobank Nigeria Managing Director and Regional Head, Bolaji Lawal, said: “As a pan-African banking group, we recognize the transformative power of the creative sector. We are committed to providing a platform where African creatives, including visual artists, can access domestic and international markets, visibility and opportunities.”
Also speaking, Mr. Lawal, who was represented by Mr. Omoboye Odu, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises, Partnerships and Collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria, at the opening of the fair, expressed his excitement to once again hold the fair at the Ecobank Pan African Center, describing the center as a place where finance meets creativity, where boards shake hands with brush strokes, where capital meets canvas.
Also explaining this year’s theme of ‘inclusivity’, Odu said more doors are opening for young artists. Increase the visibility of underrepresented voices. More access to markets and platforms. The conversation between art and business has increased, and more collectors are realizing that there is value in art appreciation as well.
“And honestly, if this wall could talk, it would say we have never looked this good,” said the Ecobank executive.
But beyond beauty, color, texture and conversation, Fair represents something much bigger, according to Odu.
“Nigeria’s creative economy is not only vibrant; it is investable, scalable, employable and exportable. As Ecobank, we are intentional about supporting sectors that diversify the economy, empower youth and create sustainable value.”
“Art is culture and identity. But when structured properly, art is also business and creativity is a serious economic force,” Odu concluded, looking forward to four days of inspiration, connection, trade, and transformation.
Also speaking about this year’s art fair, African Finance Corporation (AFC) President and CEO Samaira Zubair said: “In our third year of support for the +234 art fair, AFC remains committed to championing a platform that unlocks the commercial and cultural value of Africa’s creative industries. “This fair reflects the power of Africa’s young and dynamic talent to drive innovation, enterprise and global cultural influence. Through our continued collaboration with Ecobank and Soto Gallery, we are proud to support an ecosystem where African artists can work freely.” Expanding its reach, sustaining its value on the continent and positioning African creativity as a globally competitive economic force. ”
However, Akerele is to be commended for initiating the art fair alongside its continued hosting by Ecobank Nigeria and other partners. However, this team also stands out for its success to date, due to the dedication and professionalism of its members, including: Joanna Oyefeso, Project Manager. Eyimofe Ideh, Curator Lead. Faith Esene, curatorial assistant; Jojo Dopam, curation, digital pavilion. Ima Ekpo, co-curator of the Digital Pavilion and Vetum Galadima, curator of the Photography Pavilion.
+234 Art Fair is an international art exhibition dedicated to emerging young Nigerian artists who are not affiliated with galleries. The name “+234Art” comes from Nigeria’s international phone number (+234) and the universal language of art, symbolizing the bold expression of Nigerian creativity to the world.
The fair is committed to nurturing and enhancing Nigeria’s burgeoning arts industry by supporting emerging artists, stimulating art acquisition, and providing a reliable platform that contributes to the growth, prosperity and international recognition of the local arts ecosystem.
Designed as a melting pot of artistic expression, the free-admission exhibition features paintings, photography, sculpture, digital art, and children’s art.
Most importantly, the fair recorded sustained growth in both 2024 and 2025, with more than 18,000 visitors in both years, artist participation increasing from 200 in 2024 to 260 in 2025, and more than 1,100 works exhibited in multiple mediums, reflecting the growing reach within the creative community.
