As Nigeria marks her second exhibition at the Venice Bienniale, Italy with the Pavilion Nigeria Imaginary, the federal government has reiterated its commitment to boost the nation’s creative industry via collaborations with private institutions and foundations.
Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Pavilion at the Biennale scheduled April 16 -18, the Minster of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musawa said collaborations with institutes like Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) are ways to facilitate investment in the art sector.
Comprising works of eight local and international-based Nigerian artists such as Ndidi Dike, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Yinka Shonibare (CBE), Onyeka Igwe, Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon and Fatimah Tuggar, the Nigerian Pavilion themed Nigeria Imaginary signifies a collaborative effort that transcends geographical and national boundaries.
The thought-provoking works, curated by Aindrea Emelife, Musawa said, engage not only themes’ identity, democracy, migration, history and heritage, but offers fresh perspectives of Nigeria through their individual unique lenses.
“I acknowledge the curator for her vision in bringing the world to see Nigeria through this exhibition.
“We seek to empower young, passionate storytellers and we feel the theme Nigeria Imaginary is precisely what the world needs to see from Nigeria. The ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is dedicated to fostering environments that celebrate, nurture artistic talent and ensure that art remains at the forefront of our nation’s agenda.”
Leading the Nigeria delegates at the biennale is the governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki. He is accompanied by other dignitaries as Nobel Laureate for Literature Winner, Wole Soyinka, Curator Aindrea Emelife, and Director, Edo State Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA Trust).
Marking its 60th edition this year, Venice Biennale is an international contemporary art event initially aimed at establishing a new market for the contemporary art. It further exhibits art events in the genre of contemporary dance, architecture, cinema and theatre.
