Following the remarkable success of its inaugural edition, Soto Gallery, in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and main sponsor Craneburg Construction Company, is set to host the second edition of the +234 Art Fair.
The much-anticipated event will take place from March 27 to March 31, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Center (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, beginning at 10 a.m. daily.
This year’s fair, themed “Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art,” will explore how patronage serves as a catalyst for the growth and sustainability of the country’s art scene.
Designed to provide a major platform for young, unrepresented Nigerian artists, the event aims to connect emerging talent with collectors and patrons who are actively shaping the industry.
Founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery Foundation, Mrs. Tola Akerele, expressed her excitement about the fair’s continued success, noting that patronage extends beyond financial support to fostering meaningful relationships that enable artists to thrive.
She emphasized that art flourishes in communities where its practice is intentionally nurtured, and the 2025 edition seeks to facilitate those crucial connections.
She added that by creating a vibrant space where artists, collectors, and enthusiasts can interact, the fair will highlight the role of support systems in shaping artistic careers and strengthening the broader art ecosystem.
Reflecting on the success of the 2024 edition, Akerele reaffirmed her commitment to providing opportunities for emerging Nigerian artists, ensuring their work gains both local and international recognition.
Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, reiterated the bank’s dedication to fostering the creative sector across Nigeria and Africa. He noted that the creative industry is a significant driver of economic growth and international engagement, adding that through initiatives like +234 Art Fair, Ecobank is investing in the next generation of Nigerian artists, ensuring they receive the exposure and recognition they deserve.
The 2025 edition of the fair promises a dynamic cultural experience, showcasing an extensive range of paintings, photography, and sculptures that reflect various aspects of Nigerian society.
With free entry, the event seeks to deepen cultural appreciation, generate economic opportunities, and create an engaging space for learning and networking.
Beyond the exhibitions, visitors will experience an art-centric bookstore, a dedicated children’s area, a VIP lounge, culinary experiences, and interactive workshops and masterclasses.
The fair is expected to attract a diverse audience, including Nigerian and African art enthusiasts, diplomats, policymakers, and global collectors.
The continued success of +234 Art Fair is made possible by visionary institutional patrons, including Ecobank, Craneburg, AFC, and supporters like TOOF, whose commitment to empowering Nigerian artists ensures that their voices and creativity reach broader audiences.
The 2024 edition of the fair recorded significant milestones, receiving over 1,000 artist submissions, attracting more than 10,000 visitors over 10 days, and becoming the number one trending topic on X (formerly Twitter). The event showcased over 700 artworks from 200 artists, with 31 facilitators leading 12 masterclasses and workshops.
