Twelve finalists have emerged for this year’s National Arts Competition sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc. The 12 finalists who were picked from over hundred entries received from across Nigeria with a variety of interpretations of the theme: “IDENTITY: Who Do You Think You Are” were presented on Wednesday, July 31st, 2013 at a ceremony jointly hosted by Nigerian Breweries and African Artistes Foundation, AAF, organizers of the six year old competition.
The twelve finalists who emerged after the deliberation of the artist committee led by Professor El Anatsui are:Karimah Ashadu, Alayande Ayanwale, Chidinma Nnorom Chinke, Mary Edoga Chioma, Brigitte Sésu and Tilley-Gyado. Others are Taiye Idahor, Erasmus Onyishi, Olanrewaju Tejuoso, Felicia Okpara Tochukwu and Victoria Udondian. The artist duo Chuka Ejorh & Olamide Udo-Udoma and Halima Abubakar & Zemaye Okediji make up the list.
The finalists are currently on an Artist Retreat which began on July 29 and would run till August 2, 2013 atNimbus Art Gallery 9 Maitama Sule Street Ikoyi, Lagos. At the retreat, they would have the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other and participate in workshops by leading artists, scholars, and practitioners in their various fields.
The Workshop facilitators who also act as mentors to the artists include: Olu Amoda, Uche, Okpa-Iroha, Jelili Atiku, Delphine Fawundu, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Robin Hammond. Others are Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Joseph Gergel, Orlando Reade, Nick Hagen, Roger Woodbridge, and Richard Eko.
After the retreat, the finalists will use the next four months to execute their final projects while the National Art Competition team will conduct studio visits with finalists to monitor progress and provide feedback. The Grand Finale and Judging Ceremony will take place on November 24, 2013 at Art21, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. A judging panel of distinguished arts professionals, led by Professor El Anatsui, will select the final three winners.
The first prize winner will go home with Two million naira (N2M). The first runner up will win N1.5M while the second runner up will get one million naira (N1m).
It is the 6th edition of the competition sponsored by Nigerian Breweries in partnership with the African Artists’ Foundation. According to Mrs. Emete Tonukari, Nigerian Breweries’ CSR & Sustainability Manager, the competition is part of the company’s effort to encourage and promote the development of creativity, the arts and artists in Nigeria.
