Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian art landscape is set for a bold and as Prof. Jerry David unveils the Midas Touch African Art Competition 2026, a visionary initiative aimed at discovering, nurturing, and promoting emerging visual artists across the country.
With a total prize pool of ₦1 million, the competition will reward three outstanding artists, with the first-place winner receiving ₦500,000, second place ₦300,000, and third place ₦200,000. However, beyond the financial incentives, the initiative is strategically designed to provide long-term career opportunities, global visibility, and professional recognition.
Driving Artistic Excellence and Global Exposure
The competition places a strong emphasis on recognition through an international certificate of excellence issued from the United States, positioning winners for opportunities in exhibitions, residencies, academic pursuits, and global collaborations.
According to the organizers, the goal is not merely to reward talent but to build sustainable careers within Nigeria’s growing creative economy. The initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to empowering artists with tools that extend far beyond monetary gain.
“This platform is not just about winning money; it is about opening doors, building artistic careers, and projecting Nigerian talent onto the global stage.”
Competition Timeline and Structure
Submissions for the competition will officially open in the first week of September 2026 and close at the end of the same month. Artists are expected to use the months leading up to the deadline to create original, high-quality works specifically for the competition.
In October 2026, a selection of 80 artworks will be showcased online for public viewing, followed by a voting phase that will determine the top 20 finalists.
These finalists will advance to a grand physical exhibition and final judging event scheduled for November 28, 2026, at Novare Central, Wuse, Abuja, where winners will be officially announced.
Theme: “UNBROKEN”
The 2026 edition is themed “UNBROKEN”, encouraging artists to explore resilience, strength, identity, and perseverance through creative expression. The theme invites diverse interpretations while emphasizing originality and emotional depth.
Artistic Guidelines
- Only physical artworks are accepted (painting, sculpture, mixed media, installation)
- Digital art is excluded due to authenticity concerns
- Minimum artwork size: 30 inches (height or width)
- All submissions must be original and unpublished
Submission Process
Entries must be submitted strictly via WhatsApp using the contact numbers provided in the official announcement. Organizers have emphasized that all communication will be digital, and no phone calls will be entertained.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Creative Economy
This initiative arrives at a critical time when Nigeria’s creative sector is gaining global recognition. By investing in emerging artists, Prof. Jerry David, professor of visual arts in the U.S aims to bridge the gap between raw talent and international opportunity.
The competition is expected to attract hundreds of entries nationwide, positioning itself as one of the most structured and impactful art discovery platforms in Nigeria.
As anticipation builds, one message is clear — the journey to artistic excellence has begun.
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