About LIMCAF · Est. 2007
It started with a simple idea: let young Nigerian artists be seen.
Our story
From festival to institution
The festival began in October 2007 as a partnership between Rocana Nigeria Ltd — the Enugu advertising agency led by its founder, the late Chief Robert Orji — Alliance Française Enugu and the Pan African Circle of Artists, with support from the Embassy of France. The first edition drew about 180 entries. By 2011 there were more than 600.
In 2012 the festival was registered as a trusteeship, Life In My City Art Initiative. Today LIMCAF runs a national competition, regional exhibitions in 18 cities, school and disability-inclusive workshops, a bootcamp, residencies and legacy exhibitions — culminating every October in the Grand Finale and Award Night in Enugu.
Mission
To position art for social development through youth empowerment, promoting art as a resource for national development.
Vision
To establish LIMCAF among the top three sustainable, high-profile art events on Africa's international calendar.
- 11,750+
- young artists empowered since 2007
- 850+
- entries every year
- 18
- regional centres across all six geopolitical zones
- 300+
- exhibitions staged
- 1,000+
- school children and children with disabilities reached
- ₦7.8M+
- in prizes for 2026, plus a $2,000 grand prize
The next chapter
Six pillars for LIMCAF's next chapter
LIMCAF has already built the platform. The opportunity now is to build the institution around it.
01
Institutional positioning
Strengthen LIMCAF's national and international cultural standing.
02
Regional ecosystem development
Connect artists, communities and institutions across Nigeria.
03
Archives & heritage
Build a living archive from two decades of artistic activity.
04
City activation
Turn regional presence into sustained cultural participation.
05
Strategic partnerships
Deeper relationships with foundations, institutions and the private sector.
06
Artist development
Expand the pathway from discovery to professional practice.
People
Patrons, board & team
Founder
Chief Robert Orji
Founder (late), Rocana Nigeria Ltd
Managing Director of the Enugu advertising agency Rocana Nigeria Ltd, whose idea — a platform where young Nigerian artists could be seen — became LIMCAF in 2007.
Patron
HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe
Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha, CFR
Patron
Emeritus Professor El Anatsui
Patron, donor and international advocate for emerging artists
A leading figure in African and international contemporary art, El Anatsui funds international travel for LIMCAF's top six artists to attend the Dakar Biennale.
Board
- Mr. Kevin EjioforChairman & Executive Director
- Dr. Ayo AdewunmiArt Director
- Mr. Vin Martin Ilo
- Ms. Barbara Kalu
- Mrs. Uche Oji-Elega
- Ms. Anne Okigbo
- Barr. (Mrs) Mfon Usoro
- Mr. Tayo Adenaike
- Dr. Obiora Anidi
- Mrs. Sandra Obiago
- Prof. Jerry Buhari
Organising committee
- Dr. Ngozi Agujiobi
- Mr. Emeka Egwuibe
- Mr. Bona Ezeudu
- Barr. Gozie Okoye
- Engr. Chris Madubuko
- Mrs. Maria Mbelu
- Mr. Ike Okere
- Mr. Chukwudi Edoga
- Mrs. Adaora Oji-Ngwu
- Mrs. Ifeoma Igboji
- Mr. Tony Odeh
- Mr. Odinakachi Okoroafor
- Mr. Izuchukwu Muoneme
- Mr. Moses Ibang
- Mr. Stephen Chukwukadibia
- Mr. Ugwu David Obinna
- Mr. Okey Nnamchi
- Mrs. Kaosiemenma Uchendu-Edeh
- Mr. Igwe Samuel Ifeanyi
- Ms. Kelly Ogbu
Bootcamp mentors
- Prof. Chijioke Onuorah
- Dr. Jacob Onoja
- Kent Onah
- Ayo Aina
- Chike Obeagu
National reach, local impact
18 regional centres
LIMCAF reaches emerging artists aged 18–35 across all six geopolitical zones. Each centre hosts a regional exhibition every summer, where juries select the finalists for Enugu.
Want to reach your regional coordinator? Send us a message and we'll connect you.
Partners
Built on institutional trust
Foundations & philanthropy
- Ford Foundation
- MTN Foundation
Corporate
- Copen Group
- Yellow Chilli Restaurant
- GB Foods
Cultural institutions
- 1952 Africa
- Amadeo Foundation
Public
- Enugu State Government
Founding partners
- Alliance Française Nigeria
- Embassy of France in Nigeria
- Pan African Circle of Artists
- Rocana Nigeria Ltd