LIMCAF 2026 UNVEILS NEW PRIZES FOR ARTISTS

As preparations continue for LIMCAF 2026, we are excited to announce significant updates that bring even more opportunities for emerging artists across Nigeria.

This year, the Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) introduces new prize categories as part of an expanded competition structure designed to celebrate a wider range of artistic expression and creative practice. With these additions, artists have more chances than ever to gain recognition and showcase their work on a national platform.

Expanding Opportunities for Artists

LIMCAF has consistently evolved alongside the artists it serves. Beyond the annual exhibition, the festival remains committed to discovering talent, supporting artistic growth, and fostering meaningful access within Nigeria’s creative landscape.

The introduction of new prizes for the 2026 edition reflects this ongoing commitment to growth, inclusion, and innovation.

Newly Introduced Prizes

We are thrilled to announce the following new awards:

Best Painting – Capt. Everest Odengene Nnaji Prize (LIMCAF) ?1,000,000

Best Watercolour Painting – Tayo Adenaike Prize (LIMCAF) ?500,000

Best Sculpture/Installation Art – Chief Alexander Oji Prize (LIMCAF) ?500,000

Best Collage Entry – Chike Obeagu Prize (LIMCAF) ?200,000

Creative Expression Award – Stephen Bezalel Prize (LIMCAF) ?250,000

These additions celebrate diverse artistic approaches and encourage experimentation across materials, techniques, and ideas.

The Young Artist of the Year Award

The festival’s highest recognition remains the Young Artist of the Year Award, also known as the Elder K. U. Kalu Prize. Valued at the naira equivalent of $2,000, this award honors exceptional creativity and outstanding artistic achievement across all categories.

LINK: https://lifeinmycityartsfestival.org/competition
[Click here to view the full prize list]

More Chances for Recognition

Artists can also compete across LIMCAF’s established categories, including:

l Painting

l Photography

l Sculpture

l Digital Art

l Textile Design

l Drawing

l Ceramics

Special awards continue to promote inclusion and innovation. With the new prizes, LIMCAF 2026 significantly expands opportunities for recognition and creative growth.

Ongoing LIMCAF Opportunities

LIMCAF Bootcamp 2026

Start Date: 16^th -31^st March 2026

A hands-on program guiding emerging artists through mentorship, critique, and practical support.

Participants: 12 sponsored (6 male, 6 female) from 2025 Grand Finale and independent self-sponsored applicants

LIMCAF Artist Residency 2026

Applications Close: 30 April 2026

Dedicated time and space for research, experimentation, and production in a supportive environment.

Visit The Application Form to Register

LINK: https://forms.gle/s8aCMy1vRWHzq4kz7

LIMCAF 2026 National Competition

Theme: OPEN LETTER

Applications Close: 31 May 2026

Over ?50,000,000 in prizes, including:

l Young Artist of the Year Award ($2,000 cash prize)

l Travel opportunities for Top Six Artists

l National recognition in Nigeria’s arts community

LINK: https://lifeinmycityartsfestival.org/competition

About LIMCAF

For nearly two decades, LIMCAF has created spaces where talent flourishes, ideas are explored, and creativity is celebrated. While the national competition remains central to our platform, our work extends into community outreach and inclusive engagement.

Our initiatives include workshops for school-aged children, adaptive creative sessions for children with disabilities, and sustained efforts to promote gender balance and greater participation of women in the arts. Through these programmes, LIMCAF continues to strengthen access, visibility, and opportunity across Nigeria’s cultural landscape.