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The African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE), in partnership with the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and other stakeholders, will launch the maiden edition of Paint Your Coast 2026, a maritime art training and coastal communities art competition aimed at empowering young people through creative expression, maritime awareness, ocean literacy and cultural heritage preservation.
The initiative will be held in two coastal communities in Lagos State – Akodo-Ise, Ibeju-Lekki on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and Makoko on Friday, June 26, 2026.
As its inaugural edition, Paint-Your-Coast is designed to introduce young people from coastal and riverine communities to the vast opportunities within the maritime sector while equipping them with artistic and storytelling skills to document and celebrate their environment.
The programme combines art, environmental education, cultural heritage and maritime literacy in a hands-on learning experience that will expose participants to drawing, painting, visual storytelling, Batik/Adire-inspired textile art and mixed-media art using their immediate surroundings as inspiration.
Through guided observation of their coastal environment, participants will explore themes such as coastal livelihoods, waterways, fishing communities, maritime heritage, environmental stewardship, ports, shipping and emerging opportunities within the Blue Economy.
Organisers say the initiative seeks to bridge an existing knowledge gap among young people in coastal communities who, despite their daily interaction with the sea and waterways as sources of livelihood and transportation, often have limited exposure to broader maritime opportunities, ocean literacy and creative development programmes.
Speaking on the initiative, Convener of the African Maritime Art Exhibition and Creative Director of Maritime TV Africa, Ezinne Azunna, said Paint Your Coast is intended to inspire young people to become storytellers and custodians of their coastal heritage.
“Paint Your Coast is about helping young people see their communities through a new lens. Through art, participants are encouraged to document their environment, celebrate their heritage and reflect on the critical role coastal communities play in shaping Nigeria’s maritime future.
“We want them to tell their own stories, develop creative skills and recognise the immense opportunities that exist at the intersection of art, culture and the maritime sector, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life,” she said.
The programme is expected to engage about 70 participants in each location, including students, facilitators, community leaders, government representatives, development partners, maritime stakeholders and members of the media.
Participants who complete the training will qualify for the Paint Your Coast Art Competition, with outstanding works to be showcased at the 2026 African Maritime Art Exhibition later in the year.
The African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) is a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing 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 seeks to deepen public understanding of Africa’s maritime domain and inspire greater appreciation of the continent’s rich coastal heritage.
