Lagos International Festival of Illustration returns for second edition
By Editor
LAGOS International Festival of Illustration (LIFI) returns for its second edition from 17–19 September 2026. It brings together 36 Nigerian illustrators and nine internationally acclaimed illustrators from Switzerland, Poland and Italy for a 3-day meet.
Hosted by the Book Buzz Foundation, LIFI was created to strengthen the illustration ecosystem in Nigeria, with a particular focus on children’s book illustration. Through workshops, portfolio clinics and networking sessions, the festival provides opportunities for emerging illustrators to develop their skills and explore different approaches to visual storytelling.
This year’s international illustrators are Milly Miljkovic, Sophie Hofmann and Sonya Trolliet from Switzerland, Zosia Frankowska, Zosia Dzierżawska and Joanna Rusinek from Poland and Elenia Beretta, Giulia Orecchia and Cynthia Alonso from Italy.
The festival is supported by the Lagos State Government, EUNIC Spaces of Culture, the EUNIC Cluster in Nigeria, Sterling Bank, the Italian Embassy, Pro Helvetia, the Embassy of Poland, the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology.
Lagos International Festival of Illustration 2026 will take place from 17–19 September 2026 in Lagos, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 17 September at 8:20am at Ouida Plce, 34 Ajanaku Street, off Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.
