Nigerian artists have urged the Federal Government to look towards the exportation of artworks for economic diversification.The artists, who advised during a media briefing to herald their upcoming exhibition, titled ‘Through my Eyes’, billed to take place between May 25 and June 29, 2024 at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos, said exportation would yield a massive turnaround for the Nigerian economy.
Prolific sculptor, Ohiolei Ohiwerei, who noted that the government was not investing enough in the art sector, said: “Art has a very strong potential in accelerating the economy into prosperity but the government is being lackadaisical about it. Luckily, we get patronage and support from locals and sometimes foreigners, but the government’s attitude is negative, and does not speak well for the potential available in the sector.”
He added: “There is so much potential if we can do the right things and get them done through the right channel. It can generate so much income for the government, instead of oil that will dry up one day.”
A female visual artist, Ogochukwu Ejiofor, stated that the government doesn’t understand the role of artworks in the life of citizens and that if they do, they would make haste to tap into the goldmine.
“Government officials travel out and see monuments and appreciate them but when they come back home, they become very negligent. Where is the sculpture of the three wise men that signify Lagos State today? Where is the fish sculpture at Ajah, Lagos, which tells us the fishing story of its occupants?”
Ogochukwu lamented that artworks that tell Nigerian history are not being taken care of.
Coordinator for Female Artist Association of Nigeria (FAAN), Adedoyin Bello-Adelani, asserted that politicians do not understand the value of art. He said: “Exportation of artworks will not just be lucrative for the economy but for the artists themselves. It’s a two-way thing that has so many benefits for Nigeria.”