Nigeria’s art community witnessed a remarkable celebration of creativity as enthusiasts, cultural advocates, collectors, and visionaries gathered in Lagos for the Public Art Africa Exhibition, organized by UR4Africa Project, Inc. under the theme African Futurism. The three-day event, held from June 12 to 14 at the Art Lab Gallery in the Adam & Eve Building, GRA Ikeja, showcased the brilliance of emerging and established African artists whose works explored the continent’s future through imagination, innovation, and cultural identity.
The exhibition was not only a showcase of artistic talent but also a powerful platform for youth empowerment. Young artists presented bold visions of an Africa that embraces technology while remaining deeply rooted in heritage. Their works reflected resilience, progress, and transformation, highlighting how creativity can inspire social change and redefine Africa’s role in the global cultural landscape.
At the heart of this initiative is Olubusola Margaret Ajayi, educator, filmmaker, and founder of UR4Africa Project, Inc. Since establishing the organization in 2013, Ajayi has been driven by a passion for bringing something out of nothing and seeing a nobody become somebody. Her vision is rooted in empowering youth, nurturing hidden talents, and creating opportunities for young people to rise above limitations through art, education, and cultural exchange. Public Art Africa, as the flagship youth development initiative, embodies her belief that creativity can transform lives and communities.
LR: Mrs. Olubusola Margaret Ajayi, Engr. Bola Babarinde, Mrs. Funmi Falana (SAN).
The exhibition drew notable figures from Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors, including Engr. Bola Babarinde, President of the Nigeria Catchball Federation and Convener of Twinfest Africana, and Mrs. Funmi Falana, SAN, a legal luminary recognized for her dedication to youth and women empowerment. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of contemporary African art as a powerful tool for cultural expression and social impact. Organizers also acknowledged the Lagos State Ministry of Education for its support, which has expanded access to creative learning opportunities for young people.
Over the past 13 years, UR4Africa’s programmes have impacted countless young participants who have gone on to become filmmakers, musicians, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders. The Public Art Africa Exhibition marks the organization’s first large-scale public exhibition and fundraising event, with plans to make it an annual platform for promoting African creativity and expanding arts education across communities.’&’ & _&&&ddd
Audience photo/cross session of the event.
As the 2026 edition concludes, the exhibition stands as a testament to Ajayi’s vision: transforming lives through creativity, empowering youth, and ensuring that Africa’s future is shaped by voices once overlooked but now rising to global prominence.