The Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is set to host a unique cultural event tagged ‘Canvas and Culture Art Festival 2026’.
This was announced by the State Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe.
According to the announcement, the Festival, themed ‘Defining Us’, is slated to start by 10:00AM on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Library Avenue (Bank Road), Umuahia.
It would feature art exhibitions, cultural displays, creative engagements, networking opportunities and inspiring interactions with emerging and professional artists, the announcement further said, emphasizing its significance to heritage and collective identity through art.
It would be recalled that the Ministry had in recent past, hosted other remarkable programs such as the Guinness World Record attempt by Nuel Geoffrey for ‘Highest Number of Face Paintings in One Hour’, the ‘Abia Beyond Creativity Talent Hunt’, ‘Abia Comedy Fest’ and ‘Youth Voices on Multilingual Education’ – marking the 2026 International Mother Language Day, to mention a few.
The ‘Canvas and Culture Art Festival 2026’ has been described by creative industry stakeholders as a commendable initiative with potentials to help consolidate Governor Alex Otti’s agenda towards building a viable and sustainable Abia creative economy.
Below is the full text of the Commissioner’s announcement:
The Abia State Government, under the visionary and transformational leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, proudly presents the Canvas and Culture Art Festival 2026 through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
Theme: Defining Us
Join us for a remarkable celebration of art, culture, creativity, and identity as artists, students, art enthusiasts, and lovers of culture come together to showcase the beauty, diversity, and richness of our heritage.
Date: Thursday, 25th June 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Michael Okpara Auditorium
Special Guest of Honour
His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu
Deputy Governor of Abia State
The festival will feature art exhibitions, cultural displays, creative engagements, networking opportunities, and inspiring interactions with emerging and professional artists.
Come and be part of this unique experience as we celebrate our stories, our heritage, and our collective identity through art.
For enquiries:
07060785635
08142574925
Announcer: Hon. Matthew C Ekwuribe, Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in Collaboration with House of Crystal Empire
