By Henry Akubuiro
For three days, April 29 – May 1, the fourth edition of Artmiabo International Art Festival will be held in Nigeria’s culture capital, Lagos. The host of the festival, Miabo Enyadike, said it would take place at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Lagos, with the theme, “Artconomy: Redefining the Global Art Experience”.
Speaking at a recent press conference in Lagos, Enyadike said the fourth edition would concentrate on how to encourage artists to key into the workings of the art economy to improve their craft, gain recognition and prosper in their work to reflect the demands of the changing times. The forthcoming festival would provide more space to other art genres, including music and fashion, in a bid to give one voice to their needs.
Enyadike noted: “We will absorb music. There is also room for fashion, and artists will come from all over the world for this three-day, remarkable festival, tagged ‘Artconomy’. It is time for the arts to feel the pulse of the economy and artists have to be part of it.”
A proponent of recycling waste for the benefit of the arts, she said the last three editions witnessed arts-based works from waste materials. Said Enyadile: “This year, artists will bring works done out of waste. Artists will come from South Africa, UK, America, India, and some African countries. This year’s team include Yusuf Durodola, the curator; Dr. Festus Adeyemi, a fine arts teacher; and Uche Agu, who is in charge of marketing.
The founder of the festival has elected to ensure that visual art would speak for itself, adding, “ArtMiabo 2025 isn’t just a festival; it’s a living, breathing masterpiece in motion.” Lest we forget, an emerging artist, last year, secured his first international gallery deal. Also, a child from an underserved community discovered a new world of possibilities with his paintbrush. The organisers have harped on human-centred storytelling, accessibility, and inclusivity.
The three-day event taking place next month will feature an exclusive children’s art programme, where more than a dozen artists would receive a stipend and hands-on training in intellectually stimulating workshops, to be curated by Yusuf Durodola and his team. Emerging artists, particularly from underserved communities, are billed to showcase their work in the hope of gaining recognition and connecting with relevant industry professionals. David Ola, an art teacher for children living in slums and some of his students will be showcasing their works.
Major brands, like DSTV, Multichoice, Nigeria; JCDecaux and EbonyLife Studio, are among the major sponsors. Together with Artmiabo, they collaborate to connect art to the creative economy, thus promoting the financial and societal value of contemporary art.