Nigeria Pavilion Opens in Venice Biennale

….FG Commits to Propping Creative Sector

This year’s edition of the Venice Biennale is featuring a stand for Nigerian artworks. The Federal government has used the opportunity to restate its commitment to promoting  growth in the country’s creative economy through the arts.

According to a statement from the SA Media to the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, the culture minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa made this known on Tuesday in Venice, during the opening of the Nigeria Pavilion at the Rio Terà Canal during the biennale.

Musawa stated that the ministry is collaborating with stakeholders like the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) to facilitate investment in the art sector.

Noting that “we must be creative in our approach to facilitating investment in arts and culture,” she disclosed that the government is “committed to working with private sector institutions and foundations such as MOWAA.” The goal is to ensure that Nigeria explored what can be achieved by such partnerships.  
 
“This is the beginning of a long-term collaboration with MOWAA and we look forward to more successes, including the home-coming of this exhibition when it comes to the MOWAA Creative Campus in Nigeria.

“Together, we are showcasing the vibrancy, diversity, and talent of Nigeria to the world, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a thriving creative economy that resonates globally”.

The Minister applauded the eight artists who are representing Nigeria at the Venice Biennale, for their ambassadorial roles in showcasing the nation culturally.

Eight artists are exhibiting in the Nigeria Pavilion. Dwelling on the showcase, the minister, observed thusly:
“Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, and Fatimah Tuggar have truly embodied their roles as cultural ambassadors. Their ambitious and thought-provoking works engage with themes of identity, democracy, migration, history, and heritage, offering fresh perspectives on our country through their unique lenses”.
 

Musawa  also acknowledged Ms Aindrea Emelife, the curator of the Nigeria Pavilion, for her vision in bringing the world to see Nigeria through its cultural exhibition.

“We seek to empower young passionate storytellers and feel the theme, ‘Nigeria Imaginary’ is precisely what the world needs to see from Nigeria.  More than a display of artistic achievement, the Nigeria Pavilion represents a collaborative effort that transcends geographical and governmental boundaries, celebrating the voices of both our homegrown and diaspora artists.

“This is why the Ministry is dedicated to fostering environments that celebrate and nurture artistic excellence, ensuring that such exhibitions inspire our emerging talents and honor our established artists, ensuring that the arts remain at the forefront of our national agenda.
 
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved here today and on behalf of His Excellency, Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government, and its people, I extend our collective gratitude to all stakeholders and participants”.
 
This is Nigeria’s second participation at the Venice Biennale. The Governor of Edo state Mr Godwin Obaseki, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Philip Ihenacho, Director, Edo Museum of West African Art EMOWAA  Trust were among the Nigerian dignitaries at the opening of the event.

The Venice Biennale which is in its 60th edition is a global celebration of creativity and cultural exchange with globally renowned  artists, curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts from every corner of the world in attendance.