Modular Exhibition Display System for Nigerian Craft Fairs and Cultural Festivals

Nigerian craft fairs and cultural festivals represent important platforms for artisans, designers, and cultural practitioners to present and sell their work, yet many exhibitors are disadvantaged by inadequate, non-portable, and aesthetically inconsistent display systems. This project addresses this gap through the design of a modular, reusable, and lightweight exhibition display system suitable for deployment across indoor and outdoor festival environments. Observation studies were conducted at the Lagos International Trade Fair, the Argungu Festival Market in Kebbi State, and the Crafts Council of Nigeria exhibition in Abuja to document exhibitor needs, spatial constraints, and common display challenges. The resulting design system comprises interlocking aluminium frame sections, fabric tension panels in neutral tones, and clip-on accessory rails that allow exhibitors to customise layout, shelving, and signage without tools. Total pack weight per standard three-metre bay is under fifteen kilograms, enabling transport by public motor vehicle. Three prototype bays were assembled and evaluated by ten artisan exhibitors across two pilot events. Feedback collected through structured interviews highlighted ease of setup, visual appeal, and versatility as major strengths. Recommended improvements included adding weighted base options for wind resistance in outdoor settings. The project proposes a rental model administered by the Crafts Council of Nigeria to improve access for small-scale exhibitors. This work contributes practical design solutions to the infrastructure challenges of Nigeria's growing creative economy. Keywords: exhibition design, modular display, craft fairs, Nigeria, creative economy.