On March 8, 2025, the FCT Exhibition Pavilion Centre in Abuja became the stage for an unforgettable celebration of Nigerian culture, where art and tradition converged to create a mesmerizing tapestry of heritage and innovation. The event was organized by Showlate Entertainment Ltd and held under the inspiring theme “Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage: Leveraging Art and Creativity for Global Impact.” This inaugural exhibition proved to be much more than an art show — it was indeed a cultural renaissance.

A Setting Steeped in Tradition and Modernity

As guests approached the Pavilion Centre, the venue’s exterior — adorned with a colourful banner, red carpet and a plethora of different cultural items, African-styled wears and other artwork from Nigeria’s rich artistic legacy and talents — set the tone for an immersive cultural experience. Stepping inside, guests found themselves surrounded by an eclectic array of art installations, each narrating a unique story.

The exhibition space was transformed into a labyrinth of creativity, where traditional elements intertwined with modern aesthetics. Artworks spanned across paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital media, all curated to showcase the diverse festivals celebrated throughout Nigeria. Pieces highlighted the colourful narratives of the Opobo Nwaotam Festival, Kano Durbar Festival, Ikeji Festival, Ojude Oba Festival, Lisabi Festival, Osun Osogbo Festival, Ito Ogbo Festival, Agbo Remireke, Okazi Emii Festival and the Twins Festival in Igbo Ora, alongside contributions from emerging talents such as Muzaffar Shehu, Remchi Rinfwang Vigs, Dada Abraham, Jesse Ameje, and others, showcased their incredible talents, further enriching the exhibition with fresh perspectives.

The Art Exhibition: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage

Nigeria is a country rich in cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic groups and traditions that have been preserved and celebrated through various forms of art. This remarkable variety is reflected in the nation’s music, folklore, dance, festivals, clothing, and, most prominently, in its visual arts. Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation’s identity and history, reflecting the shared values, beliefs, and creative expression of its people. The preservation and promotion of this culture are essential for fostering community cohesion and national pride.

Cultural Canvas Art and Festival Exhibition was created as a dynamic initiative aimed at highlighting, preserving, and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition, themed “Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage: Leveraging Arts and Creativity for Global Impact,” served as a vibrant celebration of the diverse artistic voices that define the country. It showcased the interplay between art, festivals, and traditions, illustrating how these elements together enhance Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

Out of over 100 artworks submitted for consideration, 76 pieces were selected for the exhibition. This selection process was a crucial part of curating an exhibit that faithfully reflected the theme and focus. The curation followed a structured approach:

1. SELECTION: The emphasis was placed on identifying artworks that portrayed aspects of Nigerian culture, such as traditional clothing, food, dance, music, and festivals.
2. ARRANGEMENTS: The arrangements were organized into four categories:

• Section: The artworks were grouped by themes into four categories: marriage, music, festivals, and women (as the exhibition coincided with International Women’s Day).
• Size: To create symmetrical balance, smaller pieces were placed centrally within each section, while larger works were positioned at the edges.
• Colour: To enhance the visual appeal, each section began with warm colours and transitioned to cooler tones, using the colour wheel to guide the flow.

The Panel Discussion on Elevating Nigerian FestivalsA key highlight of the Cultural Canvas: Art and Culture exhibition was the panel discussion on “Elevating Nigerian Festivals for the Global Stage.” The session brought together industry experts to examine the strategies needed to position Nigerian festivals as global cultural and economic assets.The panel featured:William Umoh Esq. — Entertainment and creatives lawyerMr. Emmanuel Solate — CEO of Cultural Canvas and exhibition hostMr. Daniel Awin — Art curator and industry expertModerated by Janel Priscilla RowlandThroughout the discussion, the panelists explored the key elements required to scale Nigerian festivals beyond local audiences, emphasizing the roles of business strategy, policy, and storytelling. They identified critical gaps, including funding limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of structured visibility, which have hindered Nigeria’s cultural festivals from reaching their full international potential.However, the conversation also spotlighted existing success stories — festivals that have already drawn global attention but need better frameworks to sustain and expand their reach. The panelists underscored that Nigeria’s creative industry is not short on talent but requires deliberate positioning, strategic partnerships, and stronger institutional support to compete on the world stage.The session resonated strongly with the audience, which included policy influencers, government representatives, and international delegates from Belgium, South Africa, and beyond. Their engagement reinforced the urgency of creating policies and business models that allow Nigerian festivals to evolve from seasonal celebrations into globally recognized cultural exports.