NGA D-G urges stakeholders to harness art for economic growth

The Director-General of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Mr. Ahmed Sadangi, has urged stakeholders in the creative industry to tap into the potential of art to drive economic growth and development.

Speaking through Mr. Mufu Onifade, Acting Director of Curatorial Service at the NGA, Mr. Ahmed Sadangi made this appeal during the 2024 Open Art Expo in Abuja. He emphasized that the role of art in the nation’s growth and development is invaluable, especially when its potential is fully harnessed.

 

He encouraged stakeholders to capitalize on the immense potential of the creative arts by transforming Abuja into a cultural and artistic hub, especially as the expo is being held there for the first time.

“This is first time of Open Art Expo in Abuja, but I remember vividly that it has been held in Lagos.”

The NGA Director, who referred to Abuja as a city of transformation, encouraged the expo’s organizers to continue hosting the event in the capital. He noted that, based on his experience with art, it is fitting to showcase such works in a city like Abuja. Expressing the NGA’s support for the initiative, Sadangi urged the convener to make the event an annual occurrence.

“I encourage you to put more effort on creative art in Abuja, in order to attract people within and out Abuja because creativity in Nigeria cannot be suppressed, ” he added.

In his remarks, Mr Muhammad Suleiman, President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), said the event aimed at boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by ensuring that people bring more money to the city from other countries.

Suleiman added that art has been redefined as a wealth creator for the country.

According to him, this art exhibition also focuses on exposing Nigerian artists to international communities by giving them confidence to do the needful.

“The artists have been amazing. I never expect this level of works that we are seeing. I pray that other years will be very wonderful to us based on what we are going to see.”

The SNA boss appealed to the Federal Government to collaborate with artists on creativity and pay more attention to visual art which happens to be another gold mind that is beyond oil.

He urged prospective artists to put in their best in order to achieve the desired results.

Mr Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat FCT, commended the convener for initiating the art exhibition, aimed at promoting creativity in the country.

Aminu said that the collaboration between the SNA and government was a great privilege for art expo and Abuja cultural city.

“We have a place where our creative artists display their artworks. I am glad for such collaboration.

“I am also delighted to see Abuja as a cultural and art city. We should patronise the artists’ works to encourage them to do more.

“There is need to create awareness in order for people to know about art pavilion as a place of cultural display,” he said.

Ms Maryam Maigida, President, Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FAAN), said she recorded a great feat by

showcasing her artwork to the public.

She urged prospective artists to be patient and focused especially when they were passionate about their work.

“Nigerian art market is valued above millions of dollars, just like art is valuable in advance country.”

Also, Mr Godwin Saudy, a painter, said he was so excited and satisfied that his artwork had been showcased to the world.

“Art has provided an avenue for Nigerians to express themselves to the world.

“It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our artworks by telling people about our culture, feelings as well as our environment”, he said.

 

 

NAN/Oluchi