Laraba MUREY
The Embassy of Spain, in collaboration with the Society of Nigerian Artists, SNA, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Nigerian talents through the Visual Arts Competition, an initiative that has provided international exposure for emerging artists.
Speaking during the 2025 exhibition in Abuja, themed “Translating Arts into a Common Language,” First Secretary Embassy of Spain. Juan Diego Martín said the exhibition will feature the works of Hezekiah Obidare and Kenan Peter, the second- and third-place winners of the 2024 Spain-Nigeria Visual Arts Contest.
He said, “Since its inception in 2006, the competition has given 18 Nigerian artists the opportunity to travel to Spain, where they engage with the country’s rich artistic scene and gain firsthand experience of its evolving visual arts landscape. The initiative, which fosters cultural exchange between Nigeria and Spain, has played a key role in bridging artistic communities and broadening creative perspectives.
Furthermore, on the competition’s impact, the First Secretary of the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria said,
“This exhibition emerges from an iconic event in the cultural calendar of Abuja and beyond. The Visual Arts Competition serves as a platform for creative exchange, discovery, and the exploration of Spain’s rich artistic scene. Furthermore, it fosters a dynamic cultural bridge between Spain and Nigeria, nurturing collaboration and common understanding through art.”
Their outstanding pieces captivated judges and audiences alike, underscoring the competition’s dedication to nurturing exceptional talent and inspiring young Nigerian artists to pursue their creative dreams.
“Through these pages, you will find the works of Obidare H. Oyejide and Kenan M.O. Peter, two exceptionally talented artists whose pieces have truly stood out for their artistic excellence. Their work embodies the spirit of the competition and promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors,” the Secretary added.
As the 20th anniversary of the competition approaches in 2025, the Spanish Embassy is planning a special edition to further support Nigerian artists.
Additionally, other activities will be organized throughout the year to encourage artistic dialogue and collaboration.
“We want to keep promoting Nigerian emerging talents by organizing other activities throughout the year to exchange their different perspectives on art. This event would not be possible without the invaluable support of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), whose commitment ensures the success of such initiatives and provides local support for emerging national talents,” he noted.
The initiative is backed by art stakeholders, including the National Gallery of Art, under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, as well as NaijArt, a cultural association in Madrid that provides logistical support to traveling artists.
“The Embassy of Spain will continue supporting the creators’ community in Nigeria as a way to strengthen diplomatic relations as well as a source of income for the country. The arts industry is one of Nigeria’s major sectors, and there is no doubt that the artists’ community will continue expanding and feeding both the national and international cultural scene,” the Secretary concluded.
