For experience Nigeria show, comes a refreshing future

When artists and other professionals in art management gather for the 2016 edition of Experience Nigeria Art Show, the future will be a prominent focus.

Under the theme Fresh Forward: Refreshing for The Future, the 2016 edition, which marks 25th anniversary of Experience Nigeria Art Show, and scheduled to hold on December 3, 2016, also comes with its regular feature, African Art Award Ceremony.

Organised by artist, Ayodele Olaopa-led African Arts Resource Centre (AARC), Experience Nigeria Art Show has been a window for young artists in expressing themselves via the event’s yearly art competition and exhibition segment. For the 2016 edition, Olaopa disclosed that about 50 young artists are featuring in the event. He however added that “the exhibition will be juried from works submitted online,” which leads to rewarding “excellence in art and outstanding contributions.” Certificates, trophies and cash prizes, he assured will be added.

Again AARC’s consistence in paying tribute to late master, Gani Odutokun continues with an award in his hounour. “The Gani Odutokun Award for Excellence in Art will be presented to awardees by our guest of honour and Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.”

Still on the future, AARC keeps its focus on creating an environment not bereft of creative young persons. On Saturday, November1 9, 50 kids of between 5-12 years old will participate at CHILDREN’S CREATIVE CAMP 2016. “This is a day of art and crafts activities designed to encourage children to think outside the box.”

On the main art exhibition, over 100 works of various media, mostly from pas participants of Experience Nigeria, Olaopa said, will be shown under the theme- FRESH FORWARD.

For the participants, particularly artists’ whose works are adjudged outstanding, there are prizes. “Outstanding works will be rewarded with substantial cash prizes and trophies”

In 25 editions, spanning over two decades,EXPERIENCE NIGERIA ART SHOW has though enjoyed relative sponsorship support. But given its consistency, the show keeps offering “unique sponsorship opportunity for organizations to increase their brand awareness and enhance their association with cultural pursuits.”

Listed among its goals are; to celebrate and promote Nigerian Art * Offer direct economic gains to emerging artists * Promote optimism and confidence in a new and prosperous Nigeria despite recent challenges. * Build networks, promote understanding and enhance cooperation between Artists and the general public. * Serve as an avenue for artists to use their talents to influence social change. * Offer a unique opportunity to organizations to increase their brand awareness and enhance their association with cultural pursuits. * Opportunity to fete your staff and clients at a prestigious event. * Support and nurture the creative development of emerging artists in Nigeria.

Olaopa re-appraised AARC’s 25 years: ‘During that time, hundreds of Nigerian artists have benefitted from its programmes, Including Mr. Tola Wewe – former commissioner for culture and tourism, Ondo State. The present commissioner or Information and Strategy, Lagos State – Mr. Steve Ayorinde – wrote about this show in the ’90s while he was at the Guardian Newspapers (see Newspaper Reviews) AARC is totally dependent on corporate support to finance its programmes. We need your support to bring this laudable event to fruition.

“I thank you for your time and sincerely wish that you will consider this proposal for sponsorship as a great opportunity to fulfill your corporate social responsibility Kind.”