Owerri Region Exhibition
Owerri Region Exhibition, the last of the 13 Regions across the country, was declared open on Tuesday, 15th of August, at the National Commission do Museums and Monuments, Owerri. The opening ceremony was attended by exhibiting artists and lovers of art in the city of Owerri. Guests include Dr. Egornu Chizobam Head of Department Fine & Applied Arts, AIFCE, Owerri; Dr. Kelechi Opara, Fine & Applied Arts Department, IMSU, Owerri; Dr. Oriaku Chizor, Fine & Applied Arts Department, IMSU, Owerri; Mrs. Ikejiaku Olive, Office of the Director of Museum, Ministry of Culture & Creative Art. Imo State and Dr. Mrs. Carolyn N. Ezeokeke, Former Director of Educational Services and Training, NCMM, Abuja.
21 artworks were on display, and the Jurors will select 4 artworks to be part of Grand Finale in Enugu.
Benin-Auchi Region Exhibition
The LIMCAF 2023 Benin-Auchi Region Exhibition held at the newly completed Thought Pyramid Art Centre. A beautiful exhibition space located at No.33 Aiguobaamwini Crescent, G.R.A, Benin City, Edo State.
The exhibition, which took place from 4th to 10th of August 2023, was declared open by Iryn Omorogiuwa, Perm. Sec. Min of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Edo State. Guests at the opening include Jeff Ajueshi, the CEO of Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Kent Onah, the Coordinator of Benin-Auchi Region, as well as senior professionals from the region.
A total number of 35 artworks were displayed during exhibition and 8 artists were nominated by the local jurors to be part of Top 100 Artists selected for the Grand Finale of the 2023 competition in Enugu from 21st to 28 October 2023.
Lagos Region Exhibition
LIMCAF's Lagos Region Exhibition, one on the 13 Regional Centers for the second round of the 16th edition of the annual national competition opened on the Saturday15th July, 2023. A total of 96 artworks were exhibited. The exhibition was declared opened by the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, Engr Chris Ubosi, Chairman CEO The Beat FM, Lagos. Other important personalities at the opening included the Director of MTN Foundation, Mr Dennis Okoro, the former Governor of Anambra and Imo States, Rear Admiral Alison Madueke, member of the LIMCAF Board of Trustees, Mrs Mfon Usoro.
The occasion witnessed the largest attendance since the beginning of Lagos Region Exhibition began. Over 80 percent of the exhibiting artists were physically in attendance. Members of the press who covered the event include; Channels TV, TVC, Radio Nigeria, Classic FM, Beat FM, This day Newspaper, The Nation Newspaper and some online publishers.
Speaking at the opening, the Director of MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro highlighted the support of MTN Foundation to young Nigerians in different professions. He promised that MTN Foundation will continue to support LIMCAF as long as the competition continues.
Uyo-Calabar Region
Uyo-Calabar Region Exhibition opened on Tuesday 18th July, 2023 at the National Gallery of Art, Uyo. The Special Guest, Prof. Steeve Akpan an Entrepreneur declared the exhibition open. Other guests at the opening ceremony were, Prof. Best Ochigbo, a professor of Painting at the Department of Fine and Industrial Art, University of Uyo, Prof. Johnson Ekanem, professor of Textile at the Department of Fine and Industrial Art, University of Uyo, Engr. Otu Edem and Prof. Linus Akpan.
The Special Guest Dr. Steeve Akpan, pledged to give the overall best artist from Uyo-Calabar Region the sum of N50,000.00 and second best position the sum of N20,000.00. In addition he promised to help push more for entries from the Region.
Abuja Region Exhibition
The Abuja Region Exhibition, 6th in the series of 2023 LIMCAF Regional Exhibitions opened on Tuesday 25th July at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Abuja. The exhibition featured fifty five artworks by 45 young artists which were on display. The Art LIMCAF Art Director, Ayo Adewunmi appreciated the support of sponsors. He stated that this is the 16th edition of the annual national art festival.
The Special Guest at the occasion, Senator Ayogu Eze in his opening remarks applauded the commitment of the Board of Trustees of LIMCAF to the sustainability of festival since 2007. In his address, the Director, MTN Nigeria Foundation, Hon. Reginald C. Okeya reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to youth development. On his part a member of the House of Representative, Hon. Dennis Abgo appreciated the creative talent of the young participants.
Other guests at the ceremony included, Anne Okigbo, Member of LIMCAF Board of Trustee, HRH, Igwe Victor Meniru, Traditional Ruler of Egwu Achi, Enugu State, Owelle Chibueze Ocheoha, Prof. Emeka Aniagolu, Obiageli Okigbo, Dr. Emma Ossai and Engineer (Chief) Chris Chigboh, OON.
Vin Matin Obiora Ilo, Member, LIMCAF Board of Trustees reiterated the need for funding support for LIMCAF. He noted that with proper funding LIMCAF would do more.
Jalingo Region exhibition
It was a big celebration at the opening of LIMCAF Jalingo Region exhibition on Monday 7th, August, 2023 at the Jolly Nyame Stadium Gym Hall, Mile Six, Jalingo, Taraba State. High point of the event was the cutting of LIMCAF Jalingo cake, to mark the maiden edition of LIMCAF in Jalingo, the first in North Eastern Nigeria.
24 artworks by creative young Nigerians were on display at the exhibition. There were cultural display by Taraba State Art Council Troupe, Konahood, NYSC Taraba State Band and a Speed Painting was executed by Seun Adebayo.
Guests at the event include: Alh. Tukur Aba Tukur, Galadima of Muri, Royal Father of the Day, Hon. Manga Joseph, Brig. Gen. F. Erin, Hon. Joseph Nagombe, the Commissioner Heritage and Ecotourism, and Mrs Apunarimam Tuktur, the Director art council jalingo. Others are Mr. Christopher Machoko, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Heritage and Ecotourism, Captain Gana, Hon. Commissioner Budget and planning, Anthony M. Nzoka and NYSC Taraba State Coordinator.
Ibadan Region Exhibition
Ibadan Region Exhibition was opened on Sunday 9th July by Mrs Bolatito Joseph, the former Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan National Station. Other guests at the opening include the Director of Alliance Francise Ibadan, Mr.Jean, Dr Ellis Oyekola, Mr Kola Akitola and Mr Olajide Akande. 60 artworks were on display. Zaria Region Exhibition will open today, 10th July, at the Department of Fine and Applied Art, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Port Harcourt Region exhibition
The Port Harcourt Region exhibition of LIMCF 2023 was declared open on Saturday the 12th of August by Prof. Frank Ugiomoh, Director School of General Studies, University of Port Harcourt. 18 artworks are on display until 19th of August 2023. Guests were welcomed to the opening ceremony by Daniel Ogah, representative of the Director of Alliance Francaise Port Harcourt.
Other guests at the event include Dr. Chile Oparaocha, Ms. Ochuba Primrose, both of Uniport. The Jurors were Mr. Kpodo Michael, President Pan African Circle of Artists, Nigeria, Mrs. Uloma Asiegbu, Coordinator, Female Artists of Nigeria, South-South Region and Dr. Ike Francis, Lecturer, Uniport.
With the opening of Port Harcourt Region exhibition, LIMCAF is left with only the Owerri Region exhibition, out of the 13 regions scheduled for this year.
Report on the 2-day workshop for children living with disabilities
In the quest to accommodate every sector of young people and children in her visual art programs, Life in My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) has initiated an art workshop for children living with disabilities. The workshop is aimed at promoting art practice as a means of livelihood and career for young people irrespective of their various challenges. The workshop is also an avenue to enhance the activities of the teachers by exposing them to more creative ideas and ways to teach visual arts irrespective of the availability of art materials.
The participants in this year’s edition comprised over twenty-five children with special needs from Evami Special School, Independence Layout Enugu, and Therapeutic Inclusive School, Abakpa Nike, Enugu. Two parents also brought their children independently. Some of these children are facing some physical challenges such as autism, deaf, dumb, cerebral palsy and blindness. They were taken through the rudiments of painting, drawing, molding and tie/dye. The resource persons were aided with sign language by the teachers and care givers of the children with special needs.
During the practical session, the children exhibited a great level of understanding through their visual works which comprises of painting, drawing and molding. A collection of their artworks, particularly the paintings will be exhibited for the public to view and appreciate.
