...Says Creative Industry Capable Of Transforming Nigeria’s Economy
Nigeria partners Google Arts & Culture, which will soon host the digitized works, offering the collection global visibility and relevance.
The Federal Government has called for a national rethink on the role of the visual arts in Nigeria's economic and cultural landscape.
Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi made the call in an interactive session with the media parley in Abuja, The DG highlighted a comprehensive vision to reposition the National Gallery as a major contributor to job creation, youth engagement, and national economic growth through strategic partnerships and infrastructural overhaul.
Sodangi emphasized that the creative industry, especially visual arts, holds untapped value chains capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy.
He said, “When we talk about job creation, there's a value chain in art from the art material sellers, to the artists, to workshops, and beyond. These jobs may not always be direct, but they are significant and impactful."
He decried the lack of visibility and relevance of the National Gallery, particularly among the younger generation, revealing that many Nigerians are unaware of the gallery’s collection or its national importance. According to him, many of the artworks remain locked in storage due to a long-standing lack of exhibition infrastructure and a weak maintenance culture.
“There’s an entire generation that does not even know about the National Gallery of Art. These collections have been in storage for years, and that’s a shame. If we can’t exhibit physically, then let’s digitize,” he added.
Sodangi revealed the National Gallery’s collaboration with international institutions like the Goethe Institute and African Arts Johannesburg to revamp and digitize Nigeria’s national art collection. He further announced a groundbreaking partnership with Google Arts & Culture, which will soon host the digitized works, offering the collection global visibility and relevance.
“I don't think there's a bigger platform than Google. This gives us the international attention and cultural diplomacy we desperately need,” he stated.
The DG also unveiled the National Art Renaissance Program, a core pillar aimed at reviving and showcasing the nation’s artistic heritage, while empowering the next generation of Nigerian artists.
“My target now is young and emerging artists. There are many talented youths with no direction on how to add value to their work. We need to build a system that gives them access, education, and platforms,” he said.
With presence in 26 states, the National Gallery plans to decentralize its activities and create a unified structure to promote, support, and exhibit art in all regions. Sodangi reiterated that the dream of establishing a permanent National Gallery edifice remains the ultimate goal.
“We should be the ones giving policy direction for other galleries – not just hosting exhibitions. But we can’t lead if we don’t have the infrastructure. It is high time Nigeria gets a world-class National Gallery,” he concluded.
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