Ecobank, Soto Gallery partner on boosting patronage for Nigerian art

Ecobank, a pan-African banking conglomerate, has announced plans to launch the second edition of the +234 Art Fair, a platform for emerging Nigerian artists.

A partnership with Soto Gallery, a Lagos-based contemporary art centre, the financial institution said the event would take place from March 27 to March 31, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos.

The organisation said the 2025 edition would focus on ‘Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art’, to foster growth and sustainability in the country’s art sector.

According to the firm, the event will also serve as a launchpad for emerging Nigerian artists, providing them with both local and international exposure.

Tola Akerele, founder of the +234 Art Fair and the Soto Gallery Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the fair’s continued growth.

She underscored the importance of patronage, noting that it extends beyond financial backing.

“Art thrives in an environment where a community nurtures and supports its creatives. The 2025 edition of +234 Art Fair will help facilitate those essential connections,” she said.

Akerele said the fair provides a platform for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to engage meaningfully — ultimately shaping the broader art ecosystem.

“Nigerian artists are gaining global recognition, with increasing demand for their work at international exhibitions and fairs,” she said.

“When we take Nigerian art abroad, people are asking, ‘What’s happening in Nigeria?’ We have incredible talent—the best in Africa, hands down.

“But patronage is more than just buying art. It’s about mentorship, providing workspaces, offering financial advice, and connecting artists with reputable galleries.”

Omoboye Odu, head of SME, partnerships, and collaboration at Ecobank Nigeria, said the bank remains committed to helping young Nigerian artists transition from local prominence to international acclaim.

Speaking on the bank’s role, Odu said Ecobank’s support extends beyond sponsorship to include capacity-building and financial inclusion for creatives.

“We’re collaborating with Soto on masterclasses and capacity-building seminars to equip young artists with the right tools,” she said.

“It’s not just about creating art—it’s about giving them a platform to thrive in the global market and claim their share of the booming art industry.

“There’s significant financial potential in the art space, and we want to ensure these young artists are well-positioned to benefit.”

Reflecting on the previous edition, Akerele said the inaugural fair had achieved remarkable success, adding that the 2025 edition would build on that momentum.

She said her organisation remains committed to providing a stage for Nigerian artists to showcase their incredible talent, both locally and internationally.