100 - 50 Strong 50 Forward
2026-12-21 - 2026-12-31 | Secretariat Bridge, Secretariat Bridge, Jos, Plateau, 930272, Nigeria
Submission Deadline

0
th - October 2026

100

50 STRONG 50 FORWARD

Exhibition Info

THEME CONCEPT

The Enchanting Plateau Art Exhibition is a creative platform dedicated to celebrating the culture, identity, history, and future of Plateau State through artistic expression. This year’s edition is particularly significant as it commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Plateau State, a milestone that calls not only for celebration, but for reflection, imagination, and vision. The 2026 theme,“100”,is inspired by the journey of Plateau State at fifty and it challenges artists, thinkers, story tellers and creatives to imagine what Plateau state could become in the next fifty years. 100” is both a celebration and a prophecy. It is a conversation between the past, the present, and the future. It invites creatives to honour the struggles, victories, beauty, resilience, and identity that have shaped Plateau State over the last fifty years, while boldly envisioning what the next fifty years may hold. This theme seeks to position art as a tool for memory, documentation, imagination, advocacy, and transformation. The theme encourages visionary storytelling and bold imagination while remaining deeply rooted in the identity and spirit of Plateau State. The number “100” symbolizes completion, continuity, legacy, and possibility. Through the different creative forms, artists are invited to explore the evolution of Plateau State across three dimensions: THE PAST; which reflects the state’s history, heritage, indigenous identity, traditions, historical struggles/ triumphs and the significant moments and people that have shaped the state.THE PRESENT; which examines the state’s current social realities, governance/ leadership, economic opportunities/challenges, identity, diversity and coexistence.THE FUTURE; which attempts to imagine the state in the next fifty years. The sustainable development, technological advancements, future leadership, thriving creative economy, peace, unity, prosperity and the preservation of cultural in a modern world.

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OBJECTIVES

To celebrate Plateau State’s 50-year journey by honouring its history, culture, achievements, and identity through art. To inspire visionary conversations about what Plateau State could become in the next fifty years as it journeys toward 100 years. To preserve and promote Plateau State’s cultural heritage, talents, and collective identity through creative expression. To use art as a platform for dialogue around leadership, development, peace, innovation, and the future of Plateau State. To empower creatives, strengthen the creative economy, and position Plateau State as a centre for arts, culture, and tourism.

SUB-THEMES

Leadership & Governance

Exploring visionary leadership, accountability, peace-building, and the future of governance in Plateau State.

Agriculture & Food Security

Highlighting Plateau state’s agricultural richness, farming heritage, innovation in food systems, and sustainable agricultural futures.

Mining & Natural Resources

Examining the history, impact, opportunities, and future possibilities of Plateau State’s mineral wealth and environmental stewardship.

Culture & Heritage

Celebrating indigenous languages, attire, festivals, traditions, architecture, and cultural preservation.

Talent & Creativity

Showcasing Plateau State as a breeding ground for artistic excellence, music, film, literature, fashion, sports, and innovation.

Youth & Innovation

Imagining the role of young people, entrepreneurship, technology, education, and digital transformation in shaping the future.

Tourism & Hospitality

Exploring Plateau State’s landscapes, weather, attractions, and potential as a global tourism destination.

Peace, Identity & Community

Reflecting on coexistence, healing, resilience, and the collective identity of Plateau people.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

Visual Artists Performance artists and poets Cultural organizations and creative communities Students and emerging creatives Cultural historians and creative collectives

TARGET AUDIENCE

Art Enthusiasts & Collectors Government Institutions Development Organizations Investors & Corporate Partners Students & Educational Institutions Tourists & Visitors Cultural Institutions Media & Press Diplomats & International Guests Creative Industry Stakeholders The General Public Plateau Indigenes at Home and in the Diaspora

Artists are invited to interpret ONE not as sameness but as harmony, connection, and shared destiny. The exhibition provides space to question, express, celebrate, and reimagine what it means to belong to one Plateau people. Through this theme, art becomes both mirror and message — a reminder that many parts can form a powerful whole.
