Nigeria Plans Exhibition at Italy’s International Cultural Event

Nigeria will participate in the International Cultural Exhibition, Venice Biennale, which begins on April 16 to 18, 2024 in Italy.

The Biennale organised by the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWAA) is an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice by the Biennale Foundation.

The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, said ahead of the event that the Pavilion will serve as a platform for Nigerian artists to exhibit their works at the international stage, allowing them to reach a global audience and gain recognition for their talent.

She said “For the Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, the inclusion of the Nigerian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024 holds immense significance. It is an opportunity to leverage on the platform to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural ties with other nations, fostering mutual respect, appreciation and collaboration in arts.

“One of the highlights of the Venice Biennale is the national pavilions, which represent different countries and showcase their artists’ works.”

Each country’s pavilion offers a unique perspective on contemporary art, reflecting the cultural diversity and artistic practices of its nation.

“Nigeria’s pavilion serves as a catalyst for conversations around Nigerian arts and culture, promoting dialogue and understanding between different cultures and societies. Our collective aim is to position Nigeria as the world’s culture, creativity and entertainment capital,” Musawa added.

With the theme, “Foreigners Everywhere,” the pavilion exhibitions which will hold at the historic Palazzo Salviati in Dorsoduro, near the Gallerie dell’Accademia, will feature eight Nigerian artists including

Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Yinka Shonibare, Fatimah Tuggar, and Precious Okoyomon, whose contribution to the main exhibition at the 2022 edition made her a breakout star.

Nigeria’s Pavilion will serve as a springboard for future collaborations, exchanges, and partnerships within the global art community. The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy is partnering with MOWAA to empower cultural professionals to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Africa will be represented by 10 countries including Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria had previously participated in the 2017 edition.

O.O