partners
National Gallery of Art, Nigeria.
Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN)
Address of director-general.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome this gathering of men of the Fourth Estate of the realm to the Press briefing of yet, another edition of the International ArtExpo, Lagos.
Holding this press briefing at the AGAN secretariat is to break the monopoly we have been enjoying in the course of executing our programmes, to essentially inform our audience that the collaboration between NGA and AGAN has come to stay.
This programme was postponed on two different occasions because of circumstances beyond our control. We thank the Almighty God that it will now hold on 3rd December, 2011, at the same venue.
Just as you all know, the National Gallery of Art, (NGA) is the custodian of the Nigeria’s creative spirit and rich cultural heritage. We are using the International ArtExpo, Lagos as a vehicle to propagate the treasures in the Visual Art sub-sector, by show-casing our artists to both our Local and International collectors.
This year’s edition of the event is meant to bring out the best of our artists, put together by the collaboration between NGA and AGAN. With the successful packaging of the previous editions, we cannot afford to perform below expectation. The annual event will continue to show case private galleries, within and outside Nigeria; the best of modern art-works which will be displayed professionally for members of the public, art lovers, collectors and enthusiasts to view, appreciate and buy.
It is, therefore, a big market for visual artists in Africa as the exposition will create a market for modern African art works, expose entrepreneurs to the international market as well as create a platform for cultural exchange between Africa and the rest of the world.
With such a yearly event which is competitive in nature, it is hoped that the level of creativity in African art and especially Nigeria, will be further enhanced.
The 4th edition of International ArtExpo will feature two International galleries alongside Nigerian galleries. These are Medjeva Ayeva Art Gallery from Lome, Togo and Midy Art Gallery, Cotonou, Benin Republic.
At this juncture, I want to implore AGAN, that apart from collaborating with NGA in an Expo of this magnitude, they should also go into collaboration with other relevant agencies to organise different programmes that will impact positively on the artists.
This exposition will create an avenue for participating galleries to shore up their revenue base, both at the local and international front.
Gentlemen of the Press, you have been very supportive of our programmes. We will continue to count on your support as we collectively strive to move the Visual art sub-sector and indeed Nigeria forward.
Thank you and God bless.