Nigerian Galleries Set to Shine at Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025

Nigeria’s vibrant art scene is poised for international recognition as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, in collaboration with D3ONE and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, has opened applications for Nigerian galleries to participate in the prestigious Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025. This initiative offers a significant platform for both emerging and established Nigerian artists to showcase their work on a global stage.

Key Takeaways

Six Nigerian galleries will be selected: three focusing on emerging artists and three on established artists.
The fair provides a crucial opportunity for networking, attracting foreign investment, and shaping global perceptions of Nigerian contemporary art.
Selected galleries will exhibit diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

A Gateway to Global Exposure

The Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2025 presents a unique opportunity for Nigerian galleries to gain international exposure, expand their digital presence, and potentially access new art investment opportunities. Organizers emphasize that this is more than just an exhibition; it’s a strategic effort to position Nigerian art on one of the world’s most respected platforms for contemporary creativity.

Participation Categories

The program is structured to ensure a balanced representation of Nigeria’s dynamic visual art scene:

Emerging Artists Showcase: Three galleries will be selected to highlight the work of up-and-coming talents.
Established Artists Showcase: Three galleries will represent established Nigerian artists with a proven track record.

Each selected gallery will have the chance to exhibit exceptional artwork across various mediums, fostering cultural export and contributing to Nigeria’s broader vision for creative economy development.

Application Requirements

Interested galleries must submit a comprehensive application including:

Gallery Profile: Name, location, establishment year, mission statement, and curatorial vision.
Portfolio of Artists: Details of 3-5 representative artists, including bios, CVs, and high-resolution images of their artworks.
Presentation Concept: An outline of the proposed exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Art Fair, including mediums and a curatorial rationale.
Exhibition History: A record of past exhibitions, international exposure, and participation in art fairs or biennales.
Contact Information: Details for the gallery director or exhibition lead, along with website and social media links.
Letter of Interest: A formal statement of intent and commitment to exhibition standards.
Proof of Registration: Documentation confirming registration in Nigeria.

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted through the CLAP (Creative Leap Acceleration Programme) portal at https://app.clap.gov.ng/. The Abu Dhabi Art Fair is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 23, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.