The current edition of the Life in My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) in Enugu is offering a total of over six million naira in cash prizes to 25 young talents from across Nigeria, with an impressive top prize of ¦ 1 million. This festival, now celebrating its 17th year, stands as Nigeria’s most extensive and enduring youth art event.
According to a statement from Mr. Kevin Ejiofor, the Executive Director of LIMCAF, they received approximately 600 artworks from participants across the country for the competition. From this pool, the top 100 works will be showcased in the grand finale exhibition scheduled for Saturday, October 21st, at the International Conference Centre, IMT, Independence Layout, Enugu, beginning at 5 p.m.
LIMCAF’s Art Director, Dr. Ayo Adewunmi, highlighted the festival’s remarkable journey over its 17-year history. He emphasized how LIMCAF has successfully carved a distinct niche and fostered grassroots growth in contemporary art, contributing to the empowerment of Nigeria’s youth through artistic expression.
Dr. Adewunmi further revealed that LIMCAF’s reach has now expanded to encompass 13 cities located across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, including Abuja, Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Benin, Ondo, Zaria, Owerri, Awka, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Jalingo.
The festival week serves as a showcase period for the best works from regional competitions across the nation. Additionally, the festival includes special events such as exhibitions of artworks created in workshops for children with disabilities, works from a workshop involving 120 school children and art teachers, a festival lecture, and the Dike Chukwumerije Show titled “Man-made Gods,” scheduled for Friday, October 27th.
According to Dr. Ayo Adewunmi “This year we have expanded the scope of awards by introducing new prizes, such as the special awards for young female artistes and selected physically challenged persons.” He appealed to all art lovers and culture enthusiasts to attend the opening ceremony and the award night because, in his words, “It’s going to be an exciting period, an opportunity to view and appreciate art from the Top 100 young artistes in Nigeria, as well as get affordable souvenirs from the maiden Art & Craft Fair introduced this year.”
The Chairman LIMCAF 2023 award night is Admiral Allison Madueke, former Chief of Naval Staff and former Military Governor of old Anambra and old Imo States. Other dignitaries expected include the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, and Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Media Group.
