partners
National Gallery of Art, Nigeria.
Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN)
INternational artexpo LAGOS.
International ArtExpo, Nigeria ArtExpo or art exposition involves bringing together as many artists as possible, either from all over the country, continent or from all over the world as the case may be at a given period to exhibit their art works. The exhibition is usually aimed at bringing out and displaying the best works of art in most cases through private galleries for members of the public to view, appreciate, and often acquire. The central idea of art exposition is to market art works or create markets for artists. Many countries all over the world organise ArtExpo annually or biennially. These include ArtExpo Chicago, ArtExpo New York, ArtExpo London, ArtExpo South Africa, ArtExpo Berlin, ArtExpo Zurich and ArtExpo Las Vegas. Many of these have been consistent with their programmes over the years.
In the spirit of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) - an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria - the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Nigeria in collaboration with the Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN) instituted ArtExpo for Nigeria, tagged ArtExpo Nigeria now renamed International Art Expo Lagos.
The NGA conceptualised this programme to be an annual event for the visual art sector in Nigeria. Thus, every year in the month of August, private galleries within and outside Nigeria bring together, the best modern art works and display same professionally for members of the public to view, appreciate and buy. It is, therefore, a big market for visual artists. The exposition creates market for Nigerian modern art works, expose entrepreneurs to the international market as well as create a platform for cultural exchange between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
The objectives for which International ArtExpo Nigeria was conceptualised include:
i. To serve as a platform that brings artists together annually,
ii. To bring together at the 'Market Place', artists, lovers of arts, art collectors and buyers at the point of purchase,
iii. To showcase the ingenuity of Nigerian artists,
iv. To increase appreciation of art,
v. To provide platform for Nigerian artists to rub minds, exchange ideas and experiences,
vi. To create for collectors a rare opportunity to acquire numerous works of art at once and from the same place,
vii. To expose the visual art sector as a major potential player in wealth creation.
With such yearly event, which is competitive in nature, it is hoped that the level of artistic creativity in Nigeria would be further enhanced, and more awareness created for the art market. The duo of the NGA and AGAN have successfully packaged three editions of this programme in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively.