National Gallery Of Arts Moves To Develop Visual Arts Sector

Director General of the National Gallery of Arts, Mr Ahmed Sodangi, says the agency will collaborate with artists to develop the visual arts sector.

Mr Sodangi stated this at the “Life In My City” Arts Festival, held in Abuja.

The Director General, who was represented by Mr Chris Obada, commended organizers of the festival and promised to work with stakeholders to expand the content of Nigeria’s collections.

Established in 2007, “Life In My City”, LIMCAF Festival is an annual celebration of creativity featuring young talents in the
visual arts.

It is undoubtedly one of the biggest platforms for young visual artists in the country.

They say Arts is life,that is why
70 works from Visual Artist including that of Akuchinyere Enyeribe a seven month old baby whose Paint on Paper titled “The Art of Giving “from the Abuja Region were on display at the Thought Pyramid Arts Center in Abuja.

A Board Member of LIMCAF, Mr Vin Martin Ilo called on Government, the Private Sector, and Wealthy Individuals to support the growth of visual arts in the country.

Mr Ilo also urged the society to change its attitude towards the visual arts as it is capable of engaging young people and contributing to the economy of the country.

He explained that Nigerian Visual Artists have sold their works for over a million dollars, making it a lucrative venture.

According to him, art festivals such as LIMCAF could, with the support of the government, become a major tourist attraction in the country.

Mr Ilo advised young Artists in the country to be passionate about their craft and believe in themselves.

The Art Director of LIMCAF, Dr. Ayo Adewumi who explained that out of 600 entries across the country, 100 will be selected for a week long festival in Enugu where over six million Naira would be won by those who emerge victorious

Dr. Adewumi said many artists who have competed in LIMCAF have today become
commercially successful.

Chidinma Ugochukwu with mixed media titled “Language of Love” and Michael Soji with a painting titled “Loving Arts” had their work on display and spoke to Radio Nigeria, saiying visual arts could be a tool for promoting peace.

The “Life In My City Arts” Festival preliminary round is currently being held in fourteen cities across the country with the theme : “Humanism”.

Ekemini Ubong, Edited By Grace Namiji