ARTFEST 2026: Damilola Akanbi Set to Celebrate Art in Ogun
ARTFEST 2026 will bring secondary school students, tertiary institutions, artists and other stakeholders together in Ogun State for two days of art, culture and creativity.
Damilola Akanbi, popularly known as Spicy, founded and organises ARTFEST. He is an event host, creative entrepreneur and art and culture advocate. The festival returns with a bigger vision after its earlier editions in 2017 and 2019.
The idea grew out of Akanbi's own experiences and his conversations with people about art. He saw what he described as a gradual decline in people's appreciation for the arts, particularly among younger generations.
The founder noted that society has increasingly centred its attention on science. That, he said, raises concerns about the attention given to artistic creativity and expression.
Wanting to address this, Akanbi organised an initial gathering in 2017 and another edition in 2019. What began as a relatively small event has grown into a larger festival. It aims to reconnect people with art and to create opportunities for young talents.
The previous edition in Abeokuta attracted 15 secondary schools and approximately 600 attendees, including art enthusiasts and stakeholders.
For 2026, the organisers are targeting participation from 30 secondary schools and five tertiary institutions. Artists, decision-makers and other key stakeholders in Ogun State are also expected.
What to Expect at ARTFEST 2026
What to Expect at ARTFEST 2026
Unlike a conventional art exhibition, ARTFEST 2026 is designed as a festival combining different forms of artistic expression through exhibitions, competitions and cultural activities.
The programme opens with a cultural bonfire evening. Participants and art enthusiasts will connect there through culture and shared creative experiences.
The next day brings art competitions in Abeokuta, involving 30 secondary schools. Participants will compete in two major categories: visual arts and performing arts.
The competitions are expected to give students a platform to demonstrate their creativity and showcase their talents. They will also meet other young people who share similar interests.
A general art exhibition will also form part of the festival, giving artists and participants an opportunity to display their creative works.
Reviving Interest in Art Among Young People
Reviving Interest in Art Among Young People
A major focus of ARTFEST 2026 is encouraging younger generations to develop a renewed appreciation for the arts.
The organisers believe art remains an important part of society. It is not only a means of entertainment, they say, but also a tool for cultural preservation, education, self-expression and creative development.
By involving secondary schools and tertiary institutions, the festival seeks to introduce more young people to artistic opportunities. Those already interested in the arts get a platform to express themselves.
Outside the competitions, the presence of artists, cultural enthusiasts and decision-makers is also expected to encourage conversations. These will cover the place of art in society and the need to support emerging creative talents.
ARTFEST 2026 expands on the earlier gatherings in Ibadan and Abeokuta. It represents a broader effort by its founder to give art greater visibility and to encourage more people, particularly young Nigerians, to embrace creativity.
The festival will revolve around three major attractions, bringing together different expressions of art under one platform:
- Exhibitions
- Art competitions
- Cultural performances
