Nigeria’s GWR Holder, Fola David, Floats Art Academy

In fostering creative and artistic excellence, Nigeria’s Guinness World Record (GWR) holder for Largest Drawing by an Individual, Dr Fola David, has established EVVDEE Art Academy to bridge identified gaps in art.

The academy sited in Lekki, Lagos, is positioned as a community for artists within and across the globe to learn, relate, exhibit works, share ideas, collaborate, access mentorship opportunities and develop.

Present at the academy launch, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed moves by the government to partner with the academy in a bid to produce more talents in arts.

She identified the skills gap in this space, while commending David on the bold step to bridge the gap towards enhancing Nigeria’s arts market.

“We shall be leveraging this template to improve the art and creative sector by investing in talent skills development and avail them necessary opportunities to become full -fledged artists,” she said.

Speaking on the Initiative, David stated that the idea was inspired by observed disconnection amongst artists, noting that Evvdee’s setting was such that promotes family like bonding among learners and professionals in Nigeria and beyond.

According to him, “Certain things are key for artists such as exhibition and sense of family bond, i feel these things are lacking which was a major challenge for me in my journey. These and many more are what we aim to address with this academy. In addition to training,we want to mitigate some of the social challenges faced by artists by bringing them together under one umbrella where they can meet like once in three months to brainstorm on industry and trends as well as personal issues.”

David added that the academy will offer art events, short term courses and masterclass sessions, with provisions also made for art exchange programme and residency for those outside Lagos and Nigeria to be equipped with world -class knowledge and superior skills.

He said trainings will be delivered by renowned art enthusiasts and accomplished academics, including Dotun Popoola, Ken Nwadiogbu, Oscar Nkonu, The Tobbinator, Ozuma Patrick, Mr Waduud and Abisola K Gbadamosi who is also the Academy Director, amongst others.

He disclosed further that arrangement has been sealed with the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) for exhibition opportunities and to invite visiting art lecturers from abroad as part of preparations for the academy opening in 2025.

The academy will also be offering certification from the NGA for courses in painting, dawing, sculpture, photographjy, videography, animation, digital art and designs, amongst others.

Also speaking, Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo, commended David’s step, stating that it reflected the commttment of present administration to put Nigeria’s art in the global map.