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SOME art enthusiasts have highlighted the significance of art in the Nigerian economy, describing it as an opportunity for people to tell their stories.
They spoke in separate interviews on Saturday in Lagos on the sidelines of an Open Art Studio organised by social artist C.O. Kola-Lawal.
One of them, Efe Obiomah, said art could serve a variety of purposes, saying, “It can tell thought-provoking stories that both challenge thinking and spur action.
“It also preserves history and heritage while showcasing culture. Art can enhance tourism in the Nigerian economy.”
Obiomah, however, said art was perceived as a product only for the elite and an investment for the wealthy because artworks were somewhat expensive for the average Nigerian.
“In that regard, I would say artists are not doing enough to encourage more people to embrace it,” she said.
She called on individuals, corporate organisations and the government to partner with more artists to organise exhibitions and festivals that were open to the public.
Another enthusiast, Chioma Irechukwu, said art—including painting, sculpture, photography, fashion, music, film, literature and digital creativity—offered huge opportunities for job creation.
She said this was especially important in a developing country like Nigeria, where many people lived below the poverty line.
“These industries, beyond job creation, attract investment, generate export earnings and generally contribute to the country’s creative economy.
“In this regard, Nigeria’s teeming population is a blessing, with a vast pool of creatives.
“Our artists have gained international recognition, with Nigerian works featured in global galleries, auctions, museums and exhibitions,” she said.
Irechukwu also said that beyond income generation, art could help create a positive image of Nigeria on the global stage.
She commended Nigerian artists for their resilience in spite of low and dwindling government support.
“Thanks to social media, these efforts have been enhanced and have become more effective in reaching even our diaspora population.
“More attention should be given to mentoring young people on art monetisation to teach them that, beyond being a hobby, it can be a viable career.
“To drive greater engagement, artists can partner with schools, community leaders and the government through skill acquisition programmes to promote art as both a cultural expression and an entrepreneurial venture,” she said.
Also, Mudrakat Alabi-McFoy said a lot had been achieved within Nigeria’s art space and that the country had produced what she described as “an amazing array of creatives doing amazing work in different media.”
“The younger generation is open to art and different forms of expression and, in these times, that kind of creativity is now being encouraged.
“This contrasts with the past, when it was seen as a non-viable means of earning a living or pursuing a career,” she said.
In her remarks, Kola-Lawal said there was a need for society to recognise the importance of appreciating art and, therefore, make deliberate efforts to invest in the sector.
“One of the best ways to do that is to encourage emerging creatives in fields such as visual art, photography, dance, music, theatre and sculpture—a wide range of creative expression.
“This creates a balanced society where people are not only involved in the real sector, manufacturing or science, but also in the creative industries.
“That way, different sectors contribute to a balanced society, and people can spend Monday to Friday at work and then spend their weekends or evenings appreciating what the creative industry has to offer,” she said.
Kola-Lawal said the Open Art Studio was an important part of an artist’s practice because it provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with people who appreciated the artist’s work.
She said that, as an artist, she was passionate about exploring the issues on which her art was based.
“Issues such as gender, gender identity, criminal justice, environmental awareness and management, social identity, and many other social trends.
“It is always very interesting when people come into the studio and view the artworks.
“What is even more interesting is when they engage in discussions, share their views about the challenges we face, explore possible solutions, and exchange different perspectives on how to strike a balance,” she said.
F.O
Tags: Art enthusiasts Nigerian economy