Nigeria Opens Gateway to Global Art Markets at Abu Dhabi Art 2025

Nigeria launched its most significant international art presentation at Abu Dhabi Art 2025, positioning the country’s galleries and artists for unprecedented access to global collectors, cultural partnerships, and growth in art tourism. 

The “Focus: Nigeria Spotlight” brings seven pioneering Nigerian galleries to one of the world’s premier art fairs, creating pathways for artists to enter international markets and establishing Nigeria as a destination for cultural tourism.

The showcase, which runs through November 23, features kò Art Space, SOTO Gallery, O’DA Gallery, AMG Projects, 1897 Gallery, Windsor Gallery, and Ishara Gallery. Artists on display range from the historic Osogbo School to contemporary practitioners working across painting, sculpture, installation, and mixed media. Their works address identity, politics, and place, fusing cultural symbols with contemporary forms.

“Our artists reflect who we are as a nation,” said Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa. “The collaboration with Abu Dhabi places Nigerian art at the center of international cultural conversations. It creates opportunities for our creatives and strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.”

The presentation marks a landmark collaboration between Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, and the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. It arrives as Nigeria positions its creative sector as an economic driver under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, part of the broader Nigeria Everywhere initiative aimed at increasing global visibility for Nigerian creativity.

The showcase was spearheaded by Tola Akerele, CEO/GM of Nigeria’s National Theatre, who led negotiations and coordination between Nigerian galleries, the Federal Ministry, and Abu Dhabi Art to make Nigeria’s first major Focus presentation a reality. 

“Nigerian galleries now have access to collectors and institutions that can transform careers,” said Akerele. “We want audiences to leave with an appetite for more Nigerian art. When collectors and cultural leaders see the depth of what Nigerian artists create, they become interested in visiting Nigeria, experiencing the context where this work emerges, and building lasting connections.”

Osahon Okunbo, whose foundation is the main sponsor of the showcase, said: “This is about building bridges for Nigerian artists to reach the world. When we create these opportunities, we’re not just selling art. We’re opening doors for collaborations, institutional partnerships, and long-term relationships that benefit our entire creative economy.” 

Led by Akerele and coordinated through SOTO Gallery, the showcase is co-sponsored by SOTO Gallery with support from The Osahon Okunbo Foundation. It offers Nigerian artists direct engagement with international collectors, curators, and cultural institutions gathered at Abu Dhabi Art. 

Featured artists include Samuel Nnorom, whose intricate sculptures incorporate culturally significant Ankara wax fabric; Bara Sketchbook’s psychologically charged mixed-media works; and Rufus Ogundele, whose graphic compositions synthesize European styles with Yoruba visual culture.

Nigeria’s presence extends beyond the leading fair through the National Theatre of Nigeria presentation and a site-specific installation in Al Ain. The delegation participates in VIP previews, collector engagements, and cultural dialogues through November 23.