ArtsforChange Foundation, the promoters of the ArtsforChange initiative, has announced the grand finale of the 2025 edition of the national art competition, in collaboration with First Bank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution.
In a statement on Monday, the foundation said the competition will hold on December 10 at the Adnap Place, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
The organisation said the annual art challenge, now in its 4th edition, continues to rank among the nation’s most influential platforms for discovering, nurturing, and elevating emerging creative talent.
“The 2025 competition is themed “Naija Street Energy”, a subject that celebrates the vibrancy, resilience, and expressive spirit of everyday Nigerian street life. Participating artists were tasked with interpreting this cultural dynamism through painting, resulting in a broad spectrum of bold, energetic, and culturally resonant submissions,” the statement reads.
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“A distinguished panel of judges—comprising esteemed figures in the arts, culture, and broader creative industry—is currently reviewing the entries. The panel is chaired by Steve Ayorinde, former Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, whose leadership brings both depth and credibility to the evaluation process.
“With such a rigorous screening structure in place, participants and observers can be assured that only works that demonstrate exceptional technique, originality, and authenticity will advance to the final round.”
According to the statement, the winner of the 2025 competition will be announced during the grand finale and will receive a N1,000,000 cash prize, in addition to significant professional exposure and career-enhancing opportunities.
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The foundation described the competition as “more than a contest”, saying it has earned a reputation as a transformative platform, opening doors for young artists to collaborate, exhibit, and expand their craft both locally and internationally.
Since its inception, according to ArtsforChange, the initiative has served as a powerful catalyst for emerging talent within Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
“Past winners continue to excel: the inaugural winner is currently working on art projects with the Indonesian Embassy, while the most recent winner has partnered with an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) on the use of recycled materials for artistic expression,” the nonprofit said.
“These achievements underscore the programme’s enduring impact and its commitment to cultivating a sustainable, future-ready visual arts landscape.
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“As excitement builds toward December 10, stakeholders, art lovers, and members of the public are invited to join in celebrating the ingenuity, passion, and dynamic creativity of Nigerian youth. The 2025 edition of ArtsforChange promises a vibrant showcase of artistic innovation and a powerful reaffirmation of the role of the arts in driving cultural expression and social transformation.”
Speaking ahead of the finale, Titiloye Amzat, the competition’s founder, reaffirmed ArtsforChange’s dedication to empowering young creatives nationwide.
He said the art challenge was designed not only to spotlight exceptional talent but also to inspire the next generation by providing access, visibility, and institutional support.
The founder said FirstBank’s sponsorship further amplifies the initiative’s reach, aligning seamlessly with the financial institution’s longstanding commitment to youth development and the advancement of Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.
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