By Patricia Amogu
The European Union (EU) is partnering with Gallery of Code to strengthen the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in empowering Afro-European creatives and preserving cultural heritage.
The Chief Executive Officer, Gallery of Code, Oscar Ekponimo, spoke at the ongoing AI+ARTS WEEK in Abuja.
He said that the week-long symposium reflected commitment to bridging arts, design, technology and humanity, advancing research, innovation and cross-sector partnerships with international institutions.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports Gallery of Code is Africa’s first transdisciplinary design lab merging art, science and technology to harness AI for artists, scientists and technology experts.
Ekponimo said the programme targeted designers, artists, curators, writers, technologists, scientists and cultural practitioners, rethinking Afro-European narratives while preserving heritage and ancestral knowledge.
On ethics, Ekponimo said there was a need to balance AI deployment, noting technology had benefits and risks.
He said there was a need for caution on the impact of digital transformation , citing his young son’s screen exposure.
He underscored concerns about responsible use of digital platforms in an era dominated by AI tools.
Speaking on “Art, AI and the Human Questions,” NCAC Director-General Obi Asika, revealed that Nigerian creators produced 10,000 to 15,000 original contents daily across 60 platforms.
Asika said Nigerian contents reached more than 3 billion people annually.
He said that policies must ensure creators retained ownership, intellectual property and value as artificial intelligence reshaped global content production.
He advocated stronger domestic platforms for monetisation, education and gigs, warning that technology operated on “garbage in, garbage out,” demanding quality input and strategic implementation.
Asika added AI could revitalise Nigeria’s 6,000 heritage sites through storytelling, digital reconstruction and virtual experiences, enhancing tourism, mythology preservation and national historical documentation.
He cautioned that AI accelerated skilled individuals, not overnight success seekers.
Asika said technology remained a tool that could replace genuine talent, education or knowledge.
Ramona Van-Gansbeke of Gluon Brussels said AI+Arts Week fostered expertise sharing, local capacity building and solutions addressing AI challenges locally and globally.
She highlighted the Afropean Intelligence project, which unites European institutions with Abuja’s Gallery of Code.
Van-Gansbeke said that through artistic residencies, the project examines AI critically while promoting Afro-European collaboration (NAN)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
