In a move set to deepen cultural ties across Africa, RMB Nigeria Limited has named Nigeria as the featured country for the 2026 edition of the RMB Latitudes Art Fair’s International Focus programme. The initiative, which highlights a different African nation each year, aims to foster collaboration, cultural exchange, and visibility for contemporary African art on a continental stage.
The programme will kick off with a curated exhibition at Yenwa Gallery, opening on March 26, 2026. This Lagos-based exhibition marks the first phase of a cross-continental project linking Nigerian artists with the Southern African art scene ahead of the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, scheduled for May 22–24, 2026, at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg.
Organised in partnership with Yenwa Gallery, the initiative will showcase a carefully selected group of contemporary Nigerian artists. Their works will be displayed first in Lagos before being featured in the Nigeria Pavilion at the Johannesburg fair, offering collectors, curators, and institutions a glimpse into the country’s vibrant creative landscape.
The International Focus programme, according to organisers, is designed to connect artists, galleries, and cultural practitioners from across Africa with an international audience. Through exhibitions, presentations, and networking, the initiative seeks to strengthen relationships within the continent’s art ecosystem.
Lucy MacGarry, Co-founder of Latitudes, emphasised the programme’s role in fostering cross-regional engagement. “Nigeria Focus creates an opportunity to build lasting relationships between artists, collectors, and institutions across our regions while bringing new perspectives into the Fair,” she said.
Bayo Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer of RMB Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that bolster Africa’s creative economy. “We are proud to back platforms that promote collaboration among cultural communities and shine a spotlight on the continent’s artistic talent,” he noted.
Ugonna Ibe-Ejiogu, Founder of Yenwa Gallery, added that the partnership would enhance connections between Nigerian artists and the wider African art market, while providing new opportunities for engagement with global audiences.
The programme signals a continued effort to elevate African art, foster cross-border dialogue, and strengthen networks that empower artists and cultural institutions across the continent.