Twelve Nigerian artists have emerged as finalists for the 2014 edition of the National Art Competition, organised by the African Artists’ Foundation, AAF.

This edition, the 7th, is themed Interventions. It examines how contemporary art serves as a catalyst for positive and cultural framework of the society we live in.

Ada Umeofia, Emmanuel Dudu, Ike Francis, Paul Mbah, Nkechi Ebubedike, Erasmus Onysihi, Pwavidon Mathias, were picked by the selection committee led by Professor El Anatsui, who will also deliberate and select the final three winners.

Others are Tyna Adebowale, Modupeola Fadugba, Okafor Amarachi, Priscilla Nwanah and Jacqueline Suowari.

Speaking at the unveiling, ‎Tola Wewe, past winner of the competition and a former Commissioner for Arts in Ondo State, said the finalists must use the platform to showcase the culture of Nigeria since the Arts is a reflection of the society.

“The finalists must accept this as a challenge. I also would like to advocate that this event be made bigger and I can see it as an event that will promote our culture and become a tourist attraction.

“I want to challenge the artist to explore and showcase our culture, the period we are in in Nigeria, and I hope at the end of the day, we would be happy for it,” Mr. Wewe said.

The finalists have four months to execute their final project while also conducting studio visits.

The winner of the competition will get N2 million, solo exhibition at AAF, ‎a roundtrip and three-night stay at the Hilton Hotel, Dubai‎ while the runners up will win N1 million each.

The grand finale and judging ceremony will take place on November 22 at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Finalists will also take part in an Artist Retreat between August 18 and 20 at the African Artists’ Foundation Gallery, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

They would be mentored by Oliver Enwonwu, Medina Dugger, Tola Wewe, Osai Ojigbo, Segun Adefila, Chike Nwagbogu, Sandra Obiago and Roger Woodbridge.