Call for Entries: Sixth Annual National Art Competition

The National Art Competition (NAC) is an annual arts competition for Nigerian artists with each edition driven by pertinent themes in line with current social issues. In its five year span, the National Art Competition has showcased emerging talent in such diverse mediums as painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation, and video art. 



With a focus on the processes of artistic creation rather than solely the end product, artists are asked to submit a proposal for an unrealized work. After hundreds of entries, twelve finalists are invited to take part in an artist retreat, where workshops by leading artists, professors, curators, and arts professionals allow finalists to flesh out the conceptual threads of their proposal and work together in a studio environment. The competition includes cash prizes totaling four million naira and provides the artists national and international exposure and exhibition opportunities.

NAC 2013’s theme is Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?, where artists are asked to interpret the topic through a conceptual embrace of artistic practices. This year’s theme examines the status of the individual in both Nigerian and global society today. At this time in Nigeria, there is an ongoing debate about the value and functionality of our national identity. Do we persist with identifying with our state or tribe of origin or have we truly embraced the community where we have made our residence?

With vast changes sweeping the nation, including urban development, rising technologies, and the evolving social climate, personal and collective cultural identity are constantly in flux. How is identity constructed and articulated? What external forces come to define our understanding of ourselves and the world around us? What is the relationship between individual identity, national identity, and their position in the face of rising globalism?

Artists of all ages and working in all mediums are encouraged to apply. 

The Selection Committee will be headed by Professor El Anatsui.

Click here to download the NAC Application Form. Please Adhere to the Submission guidelines stated in this form.

PRIZES

• First Place

• 2 Million Naira

• Solo Exhibition at AAF

• A Roundtrip and 3 Night Stay at Hilton Hotel Dubai

• Winner: Outstanding Concept

• 1 Million Naira

• Winner: Outstanding Production

• 1 Million Naira 

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Submission dates Call for Proposals Open 10 May 2013

Call for Proposals Deadline 15 June 2013