Visual arts as tools for wealth creation
Visual art in Nigeria include paintings, sculptures, installations, and other visual culture that exhibits the art, music, and literature of a people inspired by their tradition.
Masquerade, metalwork, sculpture, architecture, fiber art, and dance are important art forms across Africa and may be included in the study of art.
Art takes many forms and is made from many different materials. Most African artworks are wood sculptures, probably because wood is a very widespread and easily accessible material.
In Nigeria our vast and rich cultural heritage can be strategically repositioned to capture art and tourism as a driver to lift the Nigerian economy since tourism alone cannot effectively flourish without the cultural components.
The federal government’s effort to diversify the economy is in line with the understanding that no nation can really excel without the inclusion of art, culture and tourism parameters in state affairs.
Against this backdrop, Nigeria cultural experts and various interest groups felt that Nigeria was lagging behind in the establishment of an autonomous gallery of art similar to those of other countries, hence the setup of a the Nigerian Gallery of Art, NGR to take care of modern Nigeria visual art.
As is tradition with the NGR to advance the course of knowledge in visual art and art generally, the Director general National Art Gallery, NGA, Dr Simon Ikpakronyi stated that Nigerians visual art continues to be a veritable and dependable tool for wealth creation, self -reliance and employment generation to the teaming Nigerian youths.
This, he stated is one of the numerous benefits of visual arts at different levels and to the society.
Speaking during the 12th Annual distinguished lecture of the NGA, Ikpakronyi added that the lecture is designed to advance the course of knowledge in visual arts in particular and arts generally.
According to him, visual art is a means of generating income to the government and seeks to contribute to boost the nation’s economy.
He stated that NGA will continue the trajectory of promoting Nigerian artists and their works through its various programs adding that the annual lecture is one of its signature programs with efforts to promote the practice of visual art and artists in Nigeria.
‘‘The distinguished lecture is designed primarily at educating stakeholders as well as the public on the various aspects of Nigerian visual arts. It is a forum where eminent scholar are invited to reliever well researched papers on carefully chosen topics which are deeply analyzed for the benefits of professional artists, art teachers, art researchers, art administrations, scholars, students of visual arts at different levels and the public," he stated.
Furthermore, Ikpakronyi stated that the NGA will continue to explore all possible avenues for public private partnership to ensure that there is a tremendous upswing in the appreciation of visual art in Nigeria.
He stated that in line with the vision of President Muhammad Buhari to diversify the economy, visual art is a credible alternative to generate income for the government.
‘‘We will continue to encourage our arts and culture which is our inheritance. Our economy can greatly improve and art is a credible alternative’’
Presenting the lecture at the event, guest lecturer Professor Jerry Buhari of the Ahmadu Bello University stated that coming from an 8year break the issues of nation building can be addressed through art.
With the theme ‘‘Re-current issues in the development of contemporary Nigerian Art’’, Prof Buhari added that if art is given its proper place and attention in the society it has the capacity to address national concerns.
The professor of Fine Art who stressed that culture is used to identify a people added that Nigeria has an enviable cultural heritage yet to be harnessed as a positive edge to place it as one of the richest countries in the world.
He however decried the consequences of not having a national art edifice stating that without a national edifice it will be difficult to build a coherent art collection that can serve as a tool for nation building.
It is however pertinent to note that the National Gallery of Art exhibits sections of art works which are displayed for viewing and promotional purposes or for sale and in the long run a tool for wealth creation.
QUOTE: NGA will continue to explore all possible avenues for public private partnership to ensure that there is a tremendous upswing in the appreciation of visual art in Nigeria.
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