ActionAid Nigeria, a social justice organisation has raised concerns on the widening gap between artists living in excluded communities and professional artists, its implication for Nigeria and the realisation of relevant sustainable development goals 1, 2, 8 and 10. (1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10. Reduced Inequality)
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday June 26th, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Ene Obi said “Through the 18 years of our existence in Nigeria, ActionAid has met and engaged with hundreds of talented artists living in poor and excluded communities whose main occupation is production of arts and crafts of various forms. These local artists have farmlands or cattle rearing as an alternate source of income mainly because sales of artworks alone are unsustainable for their families; we have met with incredibly amazing artists whose artworks sell for as low as two thousand naira, whereas, their professional counterpart could sell similar artwork for millions of naira because of the level of professionalism evident in the production and presentation of the final product”.
“It is our belief that if the skills of these local artists are properly harnessed, it will positively impact the economy; if local artists are trained to understand the recent artistry trends and how to better package and refine their products for the global market, production of arts and crafts in local communities will become a source of sustainable livelihood, thereby contributing to the micro and macro economy of the nation and ultimately, lifting them out of poverty.’’
‘’This belief is what informed AAN decision to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to bridge the gap between artists in excluded communities and their professional counterparts across Nigeria through an art and craft exhibition tagged Art for Development”.
“Art for Development” Expo (#Art4Dev), an Art and Craft exhibition seeks to create a platform for local artists to showcase their work, for art lovers to shop, while connecting local and professional artists to share experiences and network.
The expo will feature workshops, creatives connect and exhibition. The four-day event which will be flagged off on June 28th will run till June 30th at The Pavilion in Abuja and end with a gala at the Transcorp Hilton during which exclusive artworks donated by professional artists will be auctioned to raise funds to intensify ActionAid’s interventions across Nigeria.”.
‘‘AAN looks forward to the time when artists from poor communities would also have opportunities to participate in national and international exhibitions through sponsorship from duty bearers like the local government they belong to, their state government, the relevant ministries and art agencies or departments. On behalf of ActionAid Nigeria, I will like to appreciate all the partners, who from inception believed in the vision of the expo; to expose local artists to the intricacies of being professionals and promoting art for the development of the nation” Ene Concluded.
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