Mr Ahmed Sadangi, the Director-General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), has called on stakeholders in the creative industry to harness art potential for economic growth and development.
Sadangi, who was represented by Mr Mufu Onifade, Acting Director, Curatorial Service, NGA, made the call at the 2024 Open Art Expo in Abuja.
The NGA boss said the role of art towards the growth and development of the country could not be over-emphasised especially when it was properly harnessed.
He urged stakeholders to harness the great potential in the creative arts by making Abuja a cultural and art city, since the expo happened for the first time.
“This is first time of Open Art Expo in Abuja, but I remember vividly that it has been held in Lagos.”
The NGA boss, who described Abuja as a city of translation, urged the organisers of the expo to sustain the event in Abuja.
According to him, based on my exposure to artwork, It is meritable for us to see such artwork in a befitting environment like Abuja city.
Sadangi, who expressed NGA’s support for the initiative, appealed to the convener of the expo to hold the event at least once in a year.
“I encourage you to put more effort on creative art in Abuja, in order to attract people within and out Abuja because creativity in Nigeria cannot be suppressed, ” he added.
In his remarks, Mr Muhammad Suleiman, President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), said the event aimed at boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by ensuring that people bring more money to the city from other countries.
Suleiman added that art has been redefined as a wealth creator for the country.
According to him, this art exhibition also focuses on exposing Nigerian artists to international communities by giving them confidence to do the needful.
“The artists have been amazing. I never expect this level of works that we are seeing. I pray that other years will be very wonderful to us based on what we are going to see.”
The SNA boss appealed to the Federal Government to collaborate with artists on creativity and pay more attention to visual art which happens to be another gold mind that is beyond oil.
He urged prospective artists to put in their best in order to achieve the desired results.
Mr Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat FCT, commended the convener for initiating the art exhibition, aimed at promoting creativity in the country.
Aminu said that the collaboration between the SNA and government was a great privilege for art expo and Abuja cultural city.
“We have a place where our creative artists display their artworks. I am glad for such collaboration.
“I am also delighted to see Abuja as a cultural and art city. We should patronise the artists’ works to encourage them to do more.
“There is need to create awareness in order for people to know about art pavilion as a place of cultural display,” he said.
Ms Maryam Maigida, President, Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FAAN), said she recorded a great feat by
showcasing her artwork to the public.
She urged prospective artists to be patient and focused especially when they were passionate about their work.
“Nigerian art market is valued above millions of dollars, just like art is valuable in advance country.”
Also, Mr Godwin Saudy, a painter, said he was so excited and satisfied that his artwork had been showcased to the world.
“Art has provided an avenue for Nigerians to express themselves to the world.
“It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our artworks by telling people about our culture, feelings as well as our environment”, he said.(NAN)