Often described as ‘The Olympics of the Art World’,  the Venice Biennale is the original biennale which others in the world are modeled after. Venice Art Biennale is the most prestigious international art festival in the world and for the first time in its 57 years, there will be a Nigerian Pavilion.

In 2015, Nigeria took a step forward when artist and architect, Ola-Dele Kuku, with the support of Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and contribution of Lagos-based Arthouse Contemporary, gave the country its first national Pavilion presentation at the Venice Architecture Biennale. But the Art exhibition part, which is the central event, remained a dream to be realised for Nigeria’s creative industry.

Two renowned visual artists – Victor Ehikhamenor and Peju Alatise – and celebrated performance artist, Qudus Onikeku, have been selected to showcase their unique works centered on the theme ‘How About NOW?’

The Nigerian Pavilion in Venice is curated by Adenrele Sonariwo and Emmanuel Iduma, and commissioned by Godwin Obaseki (Governor of Edo State), with the support of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

57th Venice Biennale will be open to the public from May 13th  to November 26th, 2017

Sources: Nigeria in Venice, Guardian NG, La Biennale