Manny Ita –
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art and Ventures Platform have unveiled a three-year art award valued at ₦10 million, aimed at supporting emerging Nigerian creatives and innovators.
The initiative, announced today, seeks to nurture a new generation of “thinkers and makers” by bridging the gap between fine art and entrepreneurial innovation, encouraging artists to develop ideas that combine creativity with real-world impact.
Organisers said the programme will provide not only financial support but also mentorship, exposure, and access to networks, enabling participants to scale their ideas beyond traditional artistic boundaries into commercially viable ventures.
The award is expected to attract young artists, designers, and multidisciplinary creators whose work intersects art, technology, and social innovation, reflecting the evolving nature of Nigeria’s creative economy.
According to the partners, the initiative responds to a growing need to redefine art as both cultural expression and an economic driver, especially as global trends increasingly favour creative industries that integrate innovation and enterprise.
The programme will run over three years, with selected participants benefiting from structured support systems, exhibitions, and collaborative opportunities designed to refine their ideas and enhance market readiness.
Stakeholders in the creative sector have welcomed the move, noting that initiatives like this could help address longstanding challenges such as limited funding, lack of infrastructure, and weak commercialization pathways for artists in Nigeria.
By combining artistic excellence with entrepreneurial thinking, the organisers say the fund aims to position Nigerian creatives for greater global relevance while contributing to the country’s broader innovation ecosystem.
