NAF calls for 9th National Art Competition entries

 

African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) in partnership with Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc invites entries from Nigerian artists for the 9th edition of the National Art Competition. Entry began from August 25, 2016.

With the theme: ‘Shifting Boundaries’, its organizers stated that the competition aims to promote the conceptual development of contemporary art in Nigeria with the mission of raising awareness on relevant social issues through the use of creative artistic expression.

The entry is divided into three parts: the first part is call for entry; the second one will be artists’ retreat in Lagos while the third part will be the exhibition, announcement of the winners as well as the day prizes will be given to the winners.

“In its eight-year span, the National Art Competition has showcased emerging talent in such diverse mediums as painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation and video art. The African Artists’ Foundation is happy with the partnership and the same vision it shares with the NB plc which aims to nurture talents to positively impact the society,” says the Director, African Artists’ Foundation, Mr. Azubike Nwagbogu.

Explaining this year’s theme, he stressed that art has the capacity to create social change, “and we are concerned with the global migration, the local migration and the boundaries we have to redefine through poem, writing and anything artistic. We are challenging these talents to help us change the narratives.”

In the same vein,the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre U. Ekanem said NB Plc understands and appreciates the fact that art plays an important role in strengtheneing cultural values in any society and this sponsorship remains part of a brand initiative to support art development in Nigeria.

He emphasized that the competition places emphasis on the process creation, rather than on the end product. “It encourages the development of artistic creativity, art and artists.

On Thursday, November 26, 2015, Sabastine Ugwuoke emerged as the winner of the 8^th National Art Competition. Ugwuoke, whose work is titled: “No Rest No Comfort, Confusion Everywhere”, defeated other finalists and went home with the sum of Two Million Naira. Two other contestants -May Okafor and Ngozi Omeje won Outstanding Production and Outstanding Concept respectively and went home the sum of N1 million each.

The organizers hinted that this year’s competition is open to all mediums and a cash prize of Two Million Naira will be given to the first place winner and provides the artist with national and international exposure, exhibition opportunities and a cash of One Million Naira each for both second and third place winners. “Only proposals will be accepted, completed work or existing artwork will be disqualified.” All entries should be sent as a pdf attachment to: nac2016@africanartists.org. Deadline for submission of work is September 25, 2016.