The ArtMiabo International Art Festival (AMIAF) is preparing to make history as it opens its doors for the fourth consecutive year, positioning itself as Nigeria’s most ambitious gathering of artists, gallerists, and creative industry facilitators. Scheduled from April 29 to May 1 at the Admiralty Conference Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, AMIAF 2025 promises to be a game-changer for the African art scene with its bold theme: “Artconomy: Redefining the Global Art Experience.”
Since its inception four years ago, AMIAF, founded and led by visionary artist and art business expert Miabo Enyadike, has consistently championed the economic viability of art. This year’s theme, ‘Artconomy,’ is a powerful declaration of intent, emphasising that art is no longer confined to traditional spaces but is a pivotal player in global trade, tourism, and innovation. “Artists are entrepreneurs,” Enyadike asserted at a recent press briefing, “and as the creative economy expands, we must redefine our engagement with it to ensure artists remain at the forefront.”
The festival’s comprehensive programme is designed to bridge the gap between the African art market and global players. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic blend of exhibitions featuring master printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya, textile artist Nike Okundaye, renowned art scholar Kolade Oshinowo, and cubist Duke Asidere, alongside an exciting array of emerging talents. Beyond showcasing exceptional works, AMIAF 2025 will host insightful panel discussions, immersive masterclasses, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Participants will gain practical knowledge on art investment, effective marketing strategies, financial literacy, and the future of creative entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on leveraging cutting-edge trends like NFTs, digital art monetisation and AI-powered creativity.
AMIAF’s commitment to nurturing new talent is evident in its “AMIAF Slot” initiative. The 2025 edition will feature “AMIAF Slots 1” for young artists aged 8 to 15, and “AMIAF Slots 2” for high institutions, contributing 22 and 18 exhibiting artists, respectively. This dedicated focus on discovering and empowering the next generation of artistic visionaries underscores the festival’s long-term impact on the art ecosystem. A particular highlight is an exclusive children’s art programme, where young artists will receive stipends and hands-on training curated by the festival’s creative director, Yusuf Durodola, and his team. This includes impactful collaborations like the one with David Ola, who teaches art to children in underserved communities, with some of his students proudly exhibiting their creations this year.
Adding a robust international dimension, AMIAF 2025 welcomes renowned resource persons from across the globe. Guangzhen Zhou, a California, US-based artist, educator, writer, curator and influential figure in the global ceramics community, will deliver a special lecture on the intersection of ceramics, culture, and the global art economy. Zhou’s extensive experience, including his representation of China on the council of the International Academy of Ceramics, brings invaluable global insights to the festival. Joining him is Dr. Sibongile Nsuza, MD from Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr. Nsuza, beyond her medical practice, is the visionary behind Manzuza Entertainment, dedicated to helping artists build sustainable careers.
She will lead an Art Therapy Session, engaging with attendees and artists on applying art to holistic health. While some international artists may not be physically present, their works will be exhibited, ensuring a truly global artistic presence.
The festival’s enduring philosophy of “waste to wealth” will also be prominently showcased, with artists demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into compelling art. This commitment to sustainable art practices further highlights the innovative spirit of AMIAF.
AMIAF 2025 is supported by a consortium of major brands, including Multichoice Nigeria, DSTV, JCDecaux, Moët Hennessy Nigeria, CASK, and Ebony Life Studio, alongside increasing media support. This strong backing underscores the festival’s growing influence and its crucial role in fostering economic growth within the creative sector. Miabo Enyadike stressed the importance of collaboration over competition, emphasising that the festival offers artists unparalleled opportunities for exposure, networking, and commissions.
Beyond the three days of the festival, AMIAF’s impact resonates far beyond exhibitions. It is a movement that reinforces the financial and societal value of artistic expression, proving that artists are not just creators but vital contributors to economic growth, cultural identity, and social change.
As Lagos continues to solidify its position as a global art hub, AMIAF 2025 is poised to reinforce Nigeria’s standing as a key player in the international art market, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and opening new revenue streams for creatives.
“Art isn’t just for galleries; it’s for the streets, the people, and the dreamers who dare to create,” Enyadike passionately declared. From helping an emerging artist secure their first international gallery deal to inspiring children from underserved communities to discover new worlds through art, AMIAF is consistently changing lives. This year, with its enhanced focus on human-centered storytelling, accessibility, and inclusivity, the world is indeed watching as AMIAF 2025 prepares to unlock the full potential of the art economy, proving that art is for everyone.