Sesu Tiley-Gyado has emerged the winner of the 6th edition of the National Art Competition sponsored by Nigerian Breweries in partnership with the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF). Sesu was announced winner at the final of the competition which held at Art 21, Eko Hotel and Suites on Friday, November 29, 2013.
This year’s competition saw 12 finalists exhibiting strong conceptual interpretations to the theme: ‘IDENTITY: Who Do You Think You Are? The theme explores how artists view the relationship between individual and collective identity in Nigeria today and examines the role of art as a vehicle for social change.
In a remark at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde said the sponsorship of the National Art Competition is part of a broad spectrum of initiatives geared towards the company’s vision of winning with Nigeria. This, he said can be observed through the company’s support for education, water, health and youth empowerment across the country. Mr. Vervelde also said that Nigerian Breweries is delighted to have been the sponsors of the competition over the last six years. He commended the African Artists’ Foundation for the energy, commitment and professionalism they have shown in organizing the competition. He also thanked the judges led by Professor El Anatsui for their hard work.
This year, hundreds of entries were received out of which twelve finalist were chosen to take part in an artist retreat, where workshops by leading arts professionals allowed finalists the opportunity to flesh out the conceptual threads of their proposals. The finalists were then given stipends for the production of their projects which culminated in the exhibition and judging ceremony.
Sesu Tiley-Gyado clinched first place with a cash reward of N2miilion followed closely by the duo of Halima Abubakar and Zemaye Okediji who won N1million for the Most Outstanding Concept while Victoria Samuel Udondian emerged third with the Most Outstanding Production to walk home with N1million.
Nigerian Breweries has been partnering with the African Artists’ Foundation to organise the National Art Competition for six consecutive years. This is part of an effort to encourage and promote the development of creativity, arts and artists in Nigeria.
