Lagos has staged its first ever Street Art Festival, transforming parts of the city into open-air galleries that highlight its creative energy and cultural diversity. The event drew hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors, marking a milestone moment for Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors, according to reporting from The Guardian Nigeria.
Organisers said the festival aimed to showcase Lagos as a global creative hub while giving young artists a platform to express social themes through murals, graffiti, installations and live performances. Festival coordinators explained that the initiative reflects the city’s growing recognition of urban art as a tool for community engagement and storytelling, as reported by Vanguard Nigeria.
Local authorities stated that the festival aligns with broader efforts to revitalise public spaces and promote creative industries as engines of economic growth. Officials noted that the turnout surpassed projections and indicated strong public interest in new cultural formats, according to statements shared with The Guardian Nigeria.
Street artists also said the event provided much needed visibility and commercial opportunities, with several works commissioned for permanent display. Many participants described the festival as a defining moment for Lagos’ creative scene, adding that the city’s openness to contemporary street culture sets a foundation for future annual editions.
