By Joy Obanya
Mr Ahmed Sodangi, the Director-General, National Gallery of Arts (NGA), has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fostering the cultural patrimony of art in advancing national growth.
The Director-General made this known at the opening of the 3rd Abuja International Art Fair, with its theme ‘Intersection of Treasures’, in Abuja.
Sodangi said that the organisation is yearning for results that will impact on the national economy at large.
“The National Gallery of Art is relentless in working with stakeholders to move the art industry forward.
“For instance, our efforts towards getting an amendment of the Establishment Act, will transform NGA into a revenue generating agency.
“Being a generating agency, will ultimately propel the Nigerian visual arts sector, with attendant benefits to all stakeholders,” Sodangi said.
He also said that the agency is partnering with indigenous and foreign artists to ease collaboration of artists from across the globe.
“In this edition of the International Art Fair, the NGA is partnering with indigenous and foreign artists, hereby facilitating the collaboration of professionals from different continents of the world.
“This synergy can only produce an entrepreneurial package that will be the delight of art connoisseurs.
“The result is what we are all witnessing today,” he added.
Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Sulaiman, National President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), restated that efforts are in place to reenact the NGA Establishment Act.
“Efforts are currently being made to reveal and reenact the NGA Establishment Act, and my commitment as the President of the Nigerian Artist, I will ensure that these plans come to fruition.
“In order for NGA to take its pride of place amongst the leading revenue generating parastatals in the visual arts sector sub section.
“This is what is earning so much money for the United States, and other foreign countries. Therefore, revenue generating should be a priority for every one of us,” he said.
He also applauded the NGA for working towards achieving the mandate of the organisation.
“I applaud the NGA for working towards achieving the holistic area where it attaches Nigerian artists and the international artists to ensure that it is a continuous process.
“What this means is that Nigeria will be Africa’s art friendliest country, and that is where the Nigerian artist wants to take it to,” Sulaiman said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Edition of the International Art Fair is scheduled to celebrate the Nigerian art and artists. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
