AMIAF 2026 — OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
Theme: African Art, Heritage & Legacy
The Artmiabo International Art Festival (AMIAF) invites applications for its 2026 edition, marking five years of sustained commitment to African art, education, and cultural legacy, with education playing a pivotal role.
This open call is directed at young artists whose work engages critically with African heritage, its histories, continuities, and future trajectories. AMIAF is seeking interpretations of culture, but practices that demonstrate depth, intention, and cultural awareness.
AMIAF 2026 positions African art as a living system—one shaped by memory, discipline, and responsibility.
WHO CAN APPLY
This is an international open call. Artists from anywhere in the world are eligible to apply.
Artists within Age 20-45 years only
We welcome applications from practitioners working in the following disciplines:
Painting
Sculpture
Graphic Art
Fashion Design
Ceramics
Performance Art
Digital Art
Textile
Applicants must be able to conceptually articulate how their work connects to the theme African Art, Heritage & Legacy. This is a Physical Art Festival, there also will be digital displays within the exhibition space.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Selected works should:
Engage meaningfully with African cultural heritage, identity, or memory
Demonstrate strong artistic intent and conceptual clarity
Reflect an understanding of legacy beyond personal expression
Be exhibition-ready or realistically producible within the festival timeline
AMIAF prioritizes work that contributes to cultural dialogue and long-term value, not trend-driven aesthetics.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Exhibition Dates: 28 September – 1 October 2026
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Selected artists will be notified ahead of the exhibition and provided with participation details and installation guidelines as well as payment for allocated spaces.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
All applications must be submitted by:
9 May 2026
Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Applicants are required to submit:
2. A brief artist statement relevant to the theme
3. High-quality images 5 images or documentation of recent work
4. Theme Response (Max 250 words)
How does the work you are submitting respond specifically to the theme African Art, Heritage & Legacy? What cultural questions does it raise?
5. Work Description
For each submitted work, provide:
Title
Year
Medium
Dimensions / Duration
Brief description (Max 100 words)
6. Context & Lineage (Max 150 words)
What traditions, histories, or contemporary African realities inform this work?
7. Exhibition Readiness
Email: amiafestival@gmail.com
All submissions will be reviewed by the AMIAF curatorial team.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
AMIAF reserves the right to make final curatorial decisions in line with the festival’s vision and standards.
WHY AMIAF
AMIAF is a platform for artists who understand that African art carries history, responsibility, and future impact. Participation places your work within a growing international network focused on education, visibility, and cultural ownership.
If your practice is rooted in purpose and legacy, we invite you to apply.
AMIAF 2026