Dike Chukwumerije Headlines LIMCAF’s Festival Week

Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

If among the other programmes of the grand finale week of this year’s Life in My City Art Festival in Enugu, Dike Chukwumerije’s performance, titled “Man-made Gods,” seemed to have enjoyed more publicity blitz, it’s because the Abuja-based spoken-word and performance poet and eight-book author has earned celebrity status in the local culture circles. As a key player in the contemporary Nigerian literary scene, he has become something of a honey pot for the organisers of the festival, better known by its acronym LIMCAF.

Talking about the annual event, which is stomping into its 17th edition, it should indeed be pluming itself as south-east Nigeria’s biggest cultural fiesta. This is besides already wearing the diadem as Nigeria’s biggest and longest-running youth art extravaganza, with total available prizes now worth over N6 million in cash value.

There are a handful of other new additions, which include the expansion of its catchment areas to 13 cities located in all six geopolitical zones and the introduction of an arts and crafts fair during its festival week that kicks off today (Sunday, October 22) and ends on Saturday, October 28.

During this festival week, attendees to the event, which mostly holds at the Institute of Management and Technology’s International Conference Centre, will be regaled with the exhibition of the best from the nationwide regional centre competitions, in addition to other special events such as the exhibition of artworks from its first ever workshop for children with disabilities, as well as works from the workshop for 120 schoolchildren and art teachers, the festival lecture, and two Dike Chukwumerije Shows on Friday, October 27 and 28.

A press release from the festival’s executive director, Mr. Kevin Ejiofor, states that almost 600 entries were received nationwide in response to the call for entries for the annual competition. The 100 works that have been adjudged the best and will be on display in the Grand Finale Exhibition, which opens today, were selected from these. There will be rewards for at least 25 young Nigerians nationwide, with N1 million going to the grand prize winner.

In another statement, LIMCAF’s art director, Dr. Ayo Adewunmi, crows about the fact that in its 17 years of existence, the festival has carved a dominant niche for itself. This is besides charting a unique path of growth from the grassroots for the development of contemporary art and the empowerment of the youth of Nigeria through art.

“This year we have expanded the scope of awards by introducing new prizes, such as the special awards for young female artists and selected physically challenged persons,” he disclosed while He appealing to all art lovers and culture enthusiasts to attend the opening ceremony and the award night. “It’s going to be an exciting period, an opportunity to view and appreciate art from the top 100 young artistes in Nigeria, as well as get affordable souvenirs from the maiden Art & Craft Fair introduced this year.”

Meanwhile, the festival climaxes with the Gala and Award Night on Saturday, October 28, at 5 p.m. at the Institute of Management and Technology’s International Conference Centre in Independence Layout, Enugu. Named as the award-night chairman is the former Chief of Naval Staff and former military governor of old Anambra and old Imo states, Admiral Allison Madueke, GCON. Among the other dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, and the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh.

Many high-calibre scholars, curators, studio practitioners, collectors, gallery owners, and directors of art institutions at home and abroad who joined the effort by serving as jurors, advisers, and coordinators at regional centres, as well as representatives of prominent families who have instituted prizes in specific areas of art, will also be present. As a result, after 17 years of competitions and awards, LIMCAF can now boast an A-list of partners and supporting organisations, like MTN Foundation and Ford Foundation.