Media personnel and artists gathered in Lagos for a walkthrough of art collections at the National Gallery of Art, led by the visiting Director-General, Mr. Ahmed Sodangi, and his delegation. The museum staff warmly welcomed the visitors to view the national art collection.
These recorded creations form part of the secret gems safeguarded for years in the aged structure situated inside the grounds of the National Theatre in Orile Iganmu, Lagos. As part of ongoing renewal efforts, these pieces will now gain essential care via collaboration among the NGA, the Goethe Institut, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), and Julius Berger.
In pursuit of these goals, the National Gallery of Art (NGA) has initiated a range of strategic changes aimed at restoring, archiving, categorizing, and digitalizing the National Art Collection.
Mr. Ahmed Sodangi, the Director-General of NGA, stated that this initiative aims to enhance accessibility and protection of Nigeria’s valuable artistic legacy.
Sodangi highlighted that the reforms rest upon four main foundations: an examination of the gallery’s governing legislation and internal reshaping, encompassing the repositioning of the organization itself. One major emphasis will be placed on launching the National Art Renaissance Program, designed to catalogue and digitize art pieces valued at billions of Naira. Additionally, Sodangi stressed the importance of enhancing human resources, acknowledging that continuous education for NGA staff—guardians of the national collection—is essential to maintain alignment with international standards. “Although the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy is relatively recent, both the creative sector and economic activities within this domain have flourished,” he stated.
The initiative has achieved remarkable success with minimal engagement from the government. Therefore, as a governmental body, we must reflect upon our role and consider ways to avoid exerting control. Instead, we should explore opportunities for collaboration with the private sector and the innovators who have developed this robust industry into what it is today.
Sodangi pointed out that because there isn’t a dedicated national gallery building, the National Collection is presently kept in multiple sites throughout the nation. “The purpose of these artworks is to be exhibited and viewed by the broader public,” he stated.
He emphasizes the urgent requirement for a digital database of the National Collection, which is essential for the current National Art Renaissance initiative aimed at streamlining the accurate documentation, preservation, and assessment of the collection.
He revealed that the NGA is working alongside Goethe-Institut Nigeria and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) to evaluate, digitize, and conserve the art pieces.
Dr Nadine Siegert, who leads the Goethe-Institut Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this collection, pointing out that it includes numerous masterworks worthy of international recognition.
She mentioned that they have cataloged around 900 pieces, and approximately 400 of those have been photographed.
Siegert also revealed that two artworks are currently undergoing professional restoration and would be ready for exhibition locally and internationally by July.
Likewise, Yetunde Odediran, an Associate Conservator at MOWAA, mentioned that the museum’s main focus is to stabilize the artworks so they can be prepared for exhibitions.
She mentioned that MOWAA would provide training sessions for NGA employees as well, aimed at giving them the essential abilities needed to handle art pieces securely, particularly during their transportation across different sites.
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