In a bold cultural move that bridges history, memory, and artistic excellence, the National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art Nigeria (NGA), has officially announced a nationwide call for submissions for the National Art of Honour project, an ambitious initiative aimed at preserving Nigeria’s leadership legacy through visual art.

Designed as a historic archival effort, the project invites painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers, and digital artists from across Nigeria and the diaspora to participate in creating portrait artworks of Nigeria’s past and present leaders. From the colonial era to contemporary democratic governance, the initiative seeks to build a compelling visual record that reflects the country’s political evolution since 1914.

At its core, National Art of Honour is more than an exhibition, it is a cultural preservation mission. Selected works will form part of Nigeria’s official cultural archive, offering future generations a deeply human and artistic interpretation of leadership across time.

Artists are encouraged to submit original portrait works either individual or collective representations, depicting notable Nigerian figures including Governors-General, Prime Ministers, Heads of State, Presidents, and the historic premiers of Nigeria’s former regions. The project spans multiple eras: the Colonial Period (1914–1959), First Republic (1960–1966), successive military regimes, the Second Republic, the brief Third Republic, and the ongoing democratic dispensation from 1999 to date.

Submissions will be evaluated based on artistic merit, with particular emphasis on the accuracy and resemblance of the portrayed subjects. The organizers have outlined clear technical guidelines: paintings and photographs should measure approximately 91cm by 121cm, while sculptures should stand at 121cm. Accepted media include oil and acrylic on canvas, watercolour, fibre glass sculpture, print photography, and digital art.

In addition to the artwork itself, participating artists must provide professional documentation including a biography, artist statement, and relevant contact information. Each submission must also be accompanied by details such as title, medium, size, and year of creation.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 26, 2026, and entries can be delivered to designated NGA outlets nationwide, ensuring accessibility for artists across multiple regions.

Beyond recognition, selected artists will benefit from national exposure through exhibition and auction opportunities, positioning their work within a prestigious cultural and historical framework.

As Nigeria continues to reflect on its past while shaping its future, National Art of Honour offers artists a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s collective memory, transforming canvas and sculpture into enduring symbols of leadership, identity, and national pride.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit:
http://www.nationalartofhonour.com

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