The National Gallery of Arts, NGA, says it realises the potentials of the creative industry in Nigeria in generating revenue for government as well as contributing to the growth of the economy.
The Director General, National Gallery of Arts, Ebeten Ivara said this in Enugu on Thursday at an Art fair organised by the National Gallery of Arts in collaboration with the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu, south east Nigeria.
Ivara said the National Gallery of Arts was, through the fair, seeking to encourage IMT, which has produced talented and versatile artists to do more.
“It is noteworthy that these artists have enriched the nation’s cultural sector and possess the collective capacity to ultimately revamp Nigeria’s economic sector,” Ivara said.
He therefore commended the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, IMT, not only for putting forward a unique selection of creative pieces for display, but also for the department’s contributions over several decades, to the growth of the cultural economy in the south east region and Nigeria as a whole.
“Let me add that NGA is willing and ready to work with all stakeholders to move the subsector forward.
“I urge you all to join in the quest by NGA to become a revenue generating agency by impressing on members of the National Assembly to give the Bill seeking this an accelerated hearing for it to be passed into law” Ivara stated.
In an address, the Chairman Governing Board of the National Gallery of Arts, Umaru Sulaiman expressed confidence that the efforts of the NGA will not only bring to the fore accomplishments of different Nigerian art schools but trigger more interest in visual arts by the younger generation.
“I also enjoin you not only to appreciate the art work on display but to buy some for yourself and friends,” Sulaiman said.
Dignitaries that graced the arts exhibition which is expected to last till the 17th day of March, 2022 include alumnus of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, IMT, Enugu, Chris Afuba who did the art work at the popular Otigba junction in Enugu, and Afamefuna Klint Igwemba popularly known as Klint de Drunk.
Hauwa Abu
