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AMIAF 2026 OPEN CALL - APPLICATIONS





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.

More on AMIAF Festival Here👈


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.

*Email Submission to amiafestival@gmail.com


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

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