Art Meets the Sea: AMAE Launches Maritime Training Initiative for Lagos Coastal Communities
The African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE), in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and other partners, has announced the launch of Paint Your Coast 2026, a maritime art training initiative and coastal communities’ art competition designed to empower young people through creative expression, maritime awareness, ocean literacy, and cultural storytelling.
The programme, which is the maiden edition, will hold in two coastal communities in Lagos State: Akodo-Ise, Ibeju-Lekki on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and Makoko on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Paint Your Coast is expected to brjng together young people from coastal and riverine communities for a unique learning experience that combines art, heritage, environmental awareness, and maritime education.
Participants will receive practical training in drawing, painting, visual storytelling, Batik/Adire-inspired textile art, and mixed-media art, using their immediate environment as inspiration.
Through a guided tour and observation of the Coast and artistic interpretation, participants will explore themes that include coastal livelihoods, waterways, maritime heritage, fishing communities, environmental stewardship, ports, shipping, and opportunities within the Blue Economy.
Organisers say that while young people in coastal communities often possess a deep familiarity with the sea and waterways as sources of livelihood and transportation, they frequently have limited exposure to broader maritime opportunities, ocean literacy, cultural documprogrammesand creative development programmes.
“Paint Your Coast is about helping young people see their communities through a new lens,” said Ezinne Azunna, Convener of the African Maritime Art Exhibition and Creative Director of Maritime TV Africa.
“Through art, participants are encouraged to document their environment, celebrate their heritage, and reflect on the role of coastal communities in shaping Nigeria’s maritime future. We hope they learn to tell their stories and reflect on their environment using art as a vehicle while also embracing the improved quality of living which art and the maritime sector can offer.” she said in a statement.
The programme is expected to engage approximately 70 participants at each location, including students, facilitators, community leaders, government representatives, development partners, maritime stakeholders, and members of the media.
Subsequently, participants at the training will qualify for the Paint Your Coast Art Competition, with outstanding entries to be exhibited at the 2026 African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) later in the year.
The African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) is a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting maritime awareness, ocean literacy, cultural heritage, and blue economy conversations through art, education, storytelling, and creative engagement. Through exhibitions, community programmes, and youth-focused initiatives, AMAE works to strengthen public understanding of Africa’s maritime domain and inspire greater appreciation of the continent’s rich coastal heritage.
