The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized the government’s commitment to the creative industry, considering it a key player in wealth creation, particularly amidst efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependency.
Speaking at the ongoing +234 Art Fair hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Musa Musawa outlined the government’s strategic plan to bolster cultural and economic growth through the creative sector. She stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve these objectives effectively.
The +234 Art Fair, a collaboration between Soto Gallery, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), serves as an international platform for emerging Nigerian artists who may not have gallery representation. Running from March 22nd to 31st, the 10-day exhibition features over 200 artists from diverse backgrounds.
During her visit to the fair, Minister Musa Musawa expressed admiration for the diverse array of paintings, photographs, and sculptures on display, pledging substantial support and exposure for young artists to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
“I am impressed by the exhibited works, showcasing immense talent and creativity reflective of our nation’s rich diversity. We will facilitate opportunities and provide the necessary support to nurture these talents and ambitions,” she affirmed.
Acknowledging the efforts of the event’s sponsors, including Ecobank Nigeria, AFC, and Soto Gallery, Musa Musawa reiterated her ministry’s commitment to backing such initiatives aimed at promoting and sustaining the arts.
The +234 Art Fair, symbolizing Nigeria’s country code and the universal concept of art, aims to elevate the local art scene by nurturing emerging talent and stimulating interest in art acquisition, thereby enhancing both the domestic and international profile of Nigerian art.
With its inaugural theme, “A New Heritage,” the fair seeks to serve as a melting pot of artistic expression, welcoming participation from all segments of society.
Open to the public free of charge, the exhibition offers an immersive experience featuring paintings, photographs, and sculptures, providing a platform for cultural enrichment, talent discovery, economic empowerment, and social engagement.
Running until March 31st at the expansive Ecobank Pan African Centre, the +234 Art Fair has attracted a diverse audience, including government officials, policymakers, diplomats, and art enthusiasts, underscoring its significance as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and creative expression.
