Enchanting Plateau has challenged artists and creatives to reflect on Plateau State’s journey over the past 50 years and imagine what the state could become in the next five decades.
The call was made by the Team Lead of Enchanting Plateau, Mr David Thomas, during a press briefing in Jos to announce the opening of entries for the organisation’s 2026 Art Exhibition.
The exhibition, which is being held as part of activities marking Plateau’s 50th anniversary, is themed, “100: 50 Strong, 50 Forward.”
Thomas said the theme was designed to encourage artists to examine the state’s history, identity, achievements and challenges while projecting its aspirations for the future through creative expression.
He said the exhibition was created to celebrate Plateau’s culture, identity, history and future, stressing that the state’s story extended beyond its physical landscapes.
“Plateau is more than its beautiful landscapes; it is its people, culture, tradition, food, creativity, music, history, memories, struggles and resilience,” he said.
Thomas said artists participating in the 2026 exhibition would be expected to explore issues including leadership and governance, food security, mining, culture and heritage, creativity, youth and innovation, tourism, peace and identity.
He said the diverse themes were intended to provide artists with a platform to interrogate important issues shaping Plateau while contributing to conversations about the state’s future.
Reflecting on previous editions, the Creative Director, Mr Jerry Jallo, said the exhibition had evolved into a multidisciplinary platform combining art displays with seminars, workshops, masterclasses and performance exhibitions.
Jallo said the organisers had deliberately moved beyond conventional performances to create opportunities for artists and audiences to experience art differently.
“We were not just calling artists to come and sing and go. We wanted them to have a different experience of their own music,” he said.
According to him, performers were given opportunities to engage audiences through intimate and acoustic sessions, adding that the 2026 edition would be more ambitious.
Jallo said the entire event would be designed as an artwork reflecting the exhibition’s theme, “100: 50 Strong, 50 Forward.”
“When you come to the event, just by being present, even without seeing the art pieces, you should be experiencing art,” he said.
The 2026 exhibition is expected to bring together artists and creatives from different disciplines to interpret Plateau’s past, present and future through their works.
