2026

2026 Graduate Exhibition

Exclusive first look & VIP preview · Curated by Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo

May 26, Opening Day

May 26, 2026 | 6PM

Location

West Tower, Wings Office Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos

Curated by

Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo

About the Exhibition

The 2026 CraftVantage Graduate Exhibition introduces ten standout voices from Nigeria's leading art institutions — Yabatech and UNILAG. Each artist has been commissioned to produce original works that integrate sustainability through their choice of materials and creative practice.

Bold Stories, Sustainable Futures challenges these emerging artists to tell honest, powerful stories through their craft while committing to eco-conscious methods. Through a bold blend of identity, heritage, and contemporary expression, they imagine futures shaped by resilience, visibility, and purpose.

Taking place in May 2026, our curated 3-day showcase is structured to engage artists, collectors, media, students, and the broader public — from an exclusive VIP opening to community education sessions and a final sales push.

Exhibition Highlights

10 graduate artists from UNILAG & Yabatech

20 commissioned sustainability-conscious works

3-day immersive exhibition experience

VIP opening night with live music & cocktails

Pop-up Craft Market (Bags, Notebooks, Pens, etc.)

Community education & panel discussions

3-Day Event Structure

Three days of art, community, and culture — each with its own distinct energy.

Select a day tab below, then RSVP for the day you plan to attend.

Opening LaunchAfternoon / Evening

VIP & Media Exclusive

An exclusive VIP and media experience — the first public viewing of powerful new works by Nigeria's next generation of artists. Expect VIP cocktails, impactful artist introductions, a BTS premiere, live contemporary fusion music, a buzzing PR & Media Alley, and a dynamic pop-up craft market.

VIP Cocktails & WelcomeArtist Introductions & BTS PremiereExhibitionPR & Media Alley InterviewsLive Contemporary Fusion MusicPop-up Craft Market (Bags, Notebooks, Pens, etc.)

The Talent — Class of 2026

The 2026 cohort of CraftVantage artists will consist of 10 standout graduates from Yabatech and UNILAG, selected for their creativity, discipline, and commitment to sustainable practice.

What to Expect

01Artist Portraits & Short Bios
0220 Commissioned Works (2 per artist)
03Studio Notes & Materials Breakdown
04Behind-the-Scenes Creation Footage
05Artist Statements on Identity & Society

Our Impact

Refined through the CraftVantage program, these artists are ready to reshape the art world.

Selection Criteria

Creativity, Discipline & Sustainability

Institutions

UNILAG & Yabatech

Programme Values

Mentorship|Visibility|Eco-Practice

Program Curator

Meet the Curator

Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo

Senior Lecturer

Department of Applied and Fine Arts

University of Lagos, Nigeria

Notable Achievements

Best Painter of the Year, Nike Art Gallery (2022)
Lecturer, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (2011–2022)
Creator of "Terra Firma" solo exhibitions (Lagos, London, Chicago – 2023)
Multiple national and international mural commissions

Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo is a celebrated Nigerian painter, educator, and curator with over 20 years of academic and studio practice. A specialist in visual arts with a PhD in Painting from Delta State University, Dr. Ogunwo teaches and mentors emerging artists at the University of Lagos, where he has been instrumental in developing studio-based curricula and creative direction.

His artistic research explores metaphor, music, and technique—particularly impasto—as powerful tools in painterly expression. He has supervised countless student exhibitions and research projects and remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian artists.

As an exhibiting artist, Dr. Ogunwo has held and participated in over 60 local and international exhibitions, including shows in Chicago, London, and across the U.S. His portfolio includes commissioned works for dignitaries such as the Ooni of Ife, President Emmanuel Macron, and various institutions.

Program Directors

The Team Behind the Exhibition

Oluwayemisi "Misi" Ogunbodede

Program Director

Misi is a communications strategist, entrepreneur, and advocate for emerging creative artists. Through CraftVantage, she champions young creative talent by providing mentorship, resources, and exhibition platforms that help early-career artists transition into professional practice.

Misi believes art is both a cultural record and a powerful economic engine, and she is committed to building structures that allow emerging artists to develop sustainable careers.

Ijeoma Olisekwu

Program Director

Ijeoma is a dynamic professional who combines corporate leadership with a strong passion for the arts. She drives sales and commercial strategy at Ikeja Electric Company Plc and holds a degree in International Studies and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. With over 20 years of experience across the energy and banking sectors, she has built expertise in revenue growth, partnerships, and market expansion.

She has also spent over five years working with Pendulum Art Gallery in Lagos, where she connects collectors with unique artworks and supports exhibitions. Her knowledge of Nigerian art and strong network makes her an active contributor to the contemporary art scene.