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By Henry Uche
By backing the +234 Art Fair for the third consecutive year, Leadway is not only reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria’s creative industry but also strengthening its role as a corporate catalyst for innovation, cultural expression, and the economic empowerment of emerging artists across Nigeria.
As a non-banking financial and wellbeing conglomerate, Leadway’s continued sponsorship underscores its belief in creative expression as a powerful driver of cultural and national growth and development.
Through its partnership with +234 Art Fair, the underwriting firm provides not only financial backing but also strategic support to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy and nurture long-term artistic talent.
This year’s edition takes place from 5–8 March 2026 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos, and places strong emphasis on ‘inclusivity’—a principle that goes beyond a slogan to shape how the fair is curated, experienced, and remembered. The approach ensures broader access, diverse representation, and meaningful engagement across Nigeria’s artistic landscape.
“At Leadway, we recognise the creative industry as an essential part of Nigeria’s cultural and economic fabric. A true national soft power. Beyond the artistic value, the creative sector contributes meaningfully to job creation, fosters innovation, and enterprise development,” said Managing Director, Leadway Pensure, Olusakin Labeodan on behalf of the Leadway Group.
“Our partnership with the +234 Art Fair reflects our commitment to supporting structured platforms that provide emerging creatives with access to markets, mentorship, and sustainable growth opportunities.”
Launched in 2024, the +234 Art Fair has quickly become one of Nigeria’s most important platforms for emerging and unrepresented artists.
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The fair brings together painters, sculptors, photographers, and digital artists, creating opportunities to connect with collectors, art enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders. It has established itself as a vital avenue for professional development and increased visibility within both local and international art markets.
By centring inclusivity, the fair highlights the importance of accessible opportunities for artists from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and communities within Nigeria’s creative ecosystem. This focus reinforces its commitment to broad representation and equitable participation in the arts.
“For more than fifty years, Leadway has stood as a pillar of innovation and impact in Nigeria. We recognise that investing in the institutions that shape our society is not only a responsibility, but a strategic imperative for national progress.
“Our support for the Fair is an expression of this commitment to inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and generational nation-building. We are determined to champion platforms that empower emerging talent and ensure that our legacy endures across Nigeria’s creative landscape,” Labeodan assured.
Beyond the fair, this approach reflects the company’s broader ethos of backing platforms that create lasting value across communities, industries, and society.
Organised by Soto Gallery in collaboration with strategic partners, the fair has rapidly become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated creative events that champions the work of emerging artists, connects them to a global audience, and fosters dialogue on the role of art in national development.
It features an expansive range of artistic mediums, interactive workshops, and networking engagements designed to stimulate market growth and cultural appreciation.
