Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with Soto Gallery, has announced plans
to host the third edition of the +234 Art Fair, scheduled to take place
from 5–8 March 2026 at the Ecobank Pan‑African Centre, Victoria Island,
Lagos.
The 2026 edition, themed “Inclusivity,” underscores
Ecobank and Soto Gallery’s shared commitment to creative
entrepreneurship, equitable access, and the deliberate expansion of
opportunity within Nigeria’s contemporary art ecosystem.
The
+234 Art Fair has quickly established itself as one of Lagos’ most
important contemporary art platforms, with a distinct focus on emerging
and often ungalleried Nigerian artists. In just a few years, the fair
has become a critical gateway—connecting local talent to collectors,
patrons, cultural institutions, and global audiences, while
strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.
Speaking on the 2026
edition, Tola Akerele, Founder of Soto Gallery and Curator of the +234
Art Fair, said the theme “Inclusivity” reflects a clear intent to widen
representation and reposition visibility within the art space.
“Inclusivity
is about opening doors wider and changing who gets seen, supported, and
celebrated,” she said. “We are already receiving exceptional works from
artists who might otherwise not have access to platforms like this. The
application remains open, and I encourage Nigerian artists to seize
this opportunity to be recognised among the continent’s finest.”
Also
commenting, Omoboye Odu, Head, SME Partnerships and Collaborations at
Ecobank Nigeria, described the 2026 fair as a purposeful intervention
aimed at reshaping how Nigerian creativity is discovered, supported, and
sustained.
“For the third edition of the +234 Art Fair, we
celebrate Inclusivity as both a principle and a practice,” Odu said.
“Art belongs to everyone. This fair intentionally broadens the
frame—moving beyond traditional centres of access to spotlight talent
from the margins, from new geographies, and from voices that deserve to
be heard.”
She added:
“If you are an artist working across
boundaries, challenging perspectives, or creating outside established
systems, this is your moment. +234 Art Fair 2026 is about building a
more equitable creative future—together.”
The event is expected
to attract a diverse audience, including art lovers from across Nigeria,
residents of the African diaspora, senior government officials,
policymakers, members of the diplomatic community, collectors, and
global art enthusiasts.
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