Lagos is vibrant with color as it hosts its inaugural Street Art Festival, aptly named “Legendary Lagos: City of Dreams.” This exciting event showcases the talents of twelve artists, nine from Nigeria and three from abroad, who are transforming the city’s walls into canvases for large-scale artworks.
The festival is designed to make art accessible to all, promoting social change through creative expression. Osa Seven, one of the festival’s organizers, highlighted the importance of public art, stating, “Art should not be confined to galleries and museums. It allows people to engage with creativity in their everyday lives. It’s a means of offering hope and demonstrating how art can influence society.”
Among the notable participants is Lithuanian artist Andrey Adno, whose mural titled “The Pace of Lagos” captures the city’s vibrant spirit. Local artist HK Locks also contributes to the festival by exploring themes of unity and migration through his work. His mural reflects Lagos’s identity as a melting pot of diverse cultures and ambitions, encapsulating the essence of a city where dreams are chased. “Lagos is where people come to chase dreams,” Locks noted, emphasizing the collaboration and relentless pursuit that define this dynamic metropolis.
This festival not only beautifies Lagos but encourages community engagement with the arts, inviting both residents and visitors to interact with the shared creativity that enriches the city’s culture. As the festival unfolds, it reveals a growing appreciation for public art and its ability to foster positive transformations within society, making Lagos a brighter and more inspiring place to live and visit.