Chinwe Russell Nigeria Art Prize 2026
Internation celebration of the ingenuity of Nigerian artists
Calling all Nigerian artists!
Calling all visual artists in Nigeria! We are thrilled to announce the Chinwe Russell Art Prize, an esteemed online initiative aimed at showcasing the exceptional talent of Nigerian visual artists on a global platform.
​
Who We’re Looking For:
Visual artists living and working in Nigeria, working in various media, including:​​
-
Painting
-
Sculpture
-
Textile
-
Found object art
-
Recycled material art
-
Illustration
-
Ceramics and pottery
-
All subject matters and more
​
About the Chinwe Russell Art Prize:
Conceptualized by Chinwe Russell, a distinguished British artist of Nigerian descent, this art prize aims to spotlight the diversity and creativity prevalent in the vibrant Nigerian visual art sector while fostering increased local and international recognition.
​
Our Objectives:
-
Showcase Nigerian Talent: Highlight the remarkable diversity and innovation of Nigerian artists.
-
Expand Reach and Exposure: Provide participating artists with enhanced visibility within Nigeria and globally.
-
Inspire Art Students: Collaborate with art departments of Nigerian universities as project partners to encourage students to aspire for the art prize.
-
Engage the Public: Inspire broader public engagement with the arts and cultural sector to stimulate economic development.
​
Submission Guidelines
-
Submission is free
-
Artists must submit three (3) artworks
-
Only selected artists will be invited to participate
Participation Fee
-
Selected artists will pay a participation fee of ₦3,500
-
Unselected artists will not pay any fee and will not be included in the exhibition
Exhibition Platform
-
The exhibition will take place online at
www.chinwerussell.com
Key Dates
Submissions
-
Opens: 26 December 2025
-
Closes: 28 February 2026
Selection Announcement
-
Selected artists announced: 4 March 2026
Online Exhibition
-
Exhibition launches: 20 March 2026
-
Exhibition ends: 30 May 2026
Public Voting – People’s Choice Award
-
Voting opens: 20 March 2026
-
Voting closes: 4 April 2026
-
Voting results announced: 11 April 2026
-
The 20 artworks with the highest public votes will progress to the judges’ round
Judging
-
Judges’ results announced: 30 April 2026
-
Judges will be announced soon
Sales
-
All exhibited artworks will be available for sale throughout the exhibition period
Prizes:
-
Top Prize: 300,000 Naira + Social Media Coverage + Solo Auction of Artist's works
-
Second Prize: 200,000 Naira + Social Media Coverage + Solo Auction of Artist's works
-
Third Prize: 100,000 Naira + Social Media Coverage + Free Solo Auction of Artist's works
-
Highly Commended Prizes: Three prizes of 15,000 Naira each + Social Media Coverage
-
The top 30 artists with the highest public votes will be represented on the Chinwe Russell living artists auction free of charge.
​
Judging Criteria:
Our esteemed judges will judge based on:
-
Distinctiveness in style, subject matter, and medium
-
Artistic innovation and celebration of Nigerian cultural heritage
​
Extensive Media Coverage:
The art prize will receive comprehensive social media and national radio coverage, ensuring widespread visibility and recognition for participating artists.
​
About Chinwe Russell:
Chinwe Russell is a pivotal figure in the global art scene, supporting over 2,000 artists annually. Her unique blend of artistic prowess and business acumen enables her to provide unparalleled support in the competitive art landscape. Chinwe's work has been showcased in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, and the Shanghai International Art Fair. She is the visionary behind acclaimed collections and exhibitions such as "20 Historical Women Who Changed the World," "Tribes of Africa," and "Gods of Africa."
We are excited about the transformative potential of the Chinwe Russell Nigeria Art Prize and the opportunities it presents for Nigerian artists. Join us in this journey to elevate and celebrate the rich tapestry of Nigerian artistry.
