Lagos — THE international art competition jury set-up by the Nigerian Breweries and the Africa Artists Foundation (AAF) has commenced the process of shortlisting 30 out of over 300 entries received so far for the competition.

Chairman of AAF, Mr Azu Nwagbogu stated this in Lagos, noting that only 10 out of the 30 shortlisted participants in the country would progress to the next stage of the competition-exhibiting their works in Lagos, Abuja and Amsterdam.

He said that judges would be looking for "works with visual and intellectual coherence, thoughtfulness and emotional integrity, intuitive pieces; works that describe something meaningful, experiential and authentic."

Professor Perkins Foss, an art historian from Yale University is heading the panel of judges, which has prominent stakeholders in the Nigerian art industry, as members. Foss, a leading expert on African art, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of entries received for the competition, saying that Nigerian art occupies a pride of place in the global arena.

The university don said the initiative will promote local artistes and give them the much-needed international exposure, adding that the jury will have a tough time picking the winning entries due to the high quality of work that he has seen.

Foss who played a key role in the hosting of the first Urhobo international Art Exhibition by the Museum of African Art in New York with the theme: 'where Gods and Mortals Meet,' in April 2004, is expected to use his clout to put outstanding local artistes that would emerge from the competition, which is tagged: 'The Unbreakable Nigerian Spirit,' into the limelight.