ALREADY  in its sixth edition, the National Art Competition (NAC), organised by African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc focuses on identity as theme for the 3013 edition.

Tagged Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?, entry for the competition closes June 15, 2013.

In its five-year span, the National Art Competition has showcased emerging talent in such diverse mediums as painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation, and video art. With a focus on the processes of artistic creation rather than solely the end product, artists are asked to submit a proposal for an unrealised work. After hundreds of entries, twelve finalists are invited to take part in an artist retreat, where workshops by leading artists, professors, curators, and arts professionals allow finalists to flesh out the conceptual threads of their proposal and work together in a studio environment.

For the 2013 edition, the theme examines the status of the individual in both Nigerian and global society today. At this time in Nigeria, there is an ongoing debate about the value and functionality of our national identity.

With vast changes sweeping the nation, including urban development, rising technologies, and the evolving social climate, personal and collective cultural identity are constantly in flux. How is identity constructed and articulated? What external forces come to define our understanding of ourselves and the world around us? What is the relationship between individual identity, national identity, and their position in the face of rising globalism?

Prizes for Identity… are first place, N2 million; Solo Exhibition at AAF, Roundtrip and a three-night stay at Hilton Hotel Dubai; Winner, Outstanding Concept, N1 million; Winner: Outstanding Production, N1 million.

Artists of all ages and working in all mediums are encouraged to apply. The Selection Committee will be headed by Professor El Anatsui. For more information about applying and submitting the application form, please visit African Artists’ Foundation’s website at www.africanartists.org.

Nigerian Breweries has been partnering with the African Artists’ Foundation to organise the National Art Competition for ?ve consecutive years. This is part of an effort to encourage and promote the development of creativity, arts and artists in Nigeria. This sponsorship remains only part of a broad initiative to support arts development in Nigeria, as well as the development of talents in various ?elds of endeavour. Nigerian Breweries recognizes that arts play an important role in strengthening cultural values in any society.