The Director General, National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Sodangi, recently announced moves to restore and digitize national collections to meet the demand of the age.
The DG, who exhibited great enthusiasm towards the agency’s growth, spoke while hosting members of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Entertainment Writers Association (CATEWA) in Abuja.
Emphasising the importance of the initiative for the future of the agency, he pledged to intensify necessary reforms that would reposition the visual art industry in Nigeria.
He noted that the idea towards digitisation was not only aimed at preserving the country’s huge, sophisticated artistic heritage but to also enhance its accessibility and relevance in the current digital landscape.
Sodangi emphasised that the key component of the project was the development of a comprehensive digital catalogue, which would serve as an extensive inventory of national collection.
According to him, the valuable partnerships offered by Goethe-Institut and the Museum of West African Art as well as the collaboration with Julius Berger are crucial in providing both necessary expertise and the resources to effectively revitalize the collection.
He announced that the gallery would receive the first set of digitised inventory this month, thereby, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s collaboration with Goethe-Institut.
“This initial step in the digitisation process sets the stage for a systematic cataloguing of the national collection and reflects a commitment to enhancing cultural preservation,” he said.
The DG also explained that the gallery was in the process of implementing certification measures that would enhance the value of artworks. These measures, he said, would include issuing travel permits and integrating of QR codes that will provide instant information about artist and his or her works; enrich the artist’s experience and promote engagement with the agency.
Sodangi reassured artists that the agency is fully committed to supporting them by providing necessary guideline towards accessing the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), a new initiative introduced by the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
“This fund is designed to foster innovations and support creative endeavours and help to nurture the creative economy as a whole.
“The overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive and centralised system that consolidates our efforts across various regions. Currently, we have a presence in approximately 26 states of the federation, which provides us with a unique opportunity to effectively implement the mandates specific to those localities.
“A key component of our initiative is to enhance the national collection, which involves not only valuing its contents but also, creating a detailed digital catalogue that will make it accessible to a wider audience.
“To achieve this ambitious vision, we have formed a strategic partnership with notable institutions such as the Goethe-Institut and the Museum of West African Art, as well as collaborating with Julius Berger to rejuvenate our collection.
“I am pleased to announce that we will receive the initial batch of newly digitised inventories for the national collection this month. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernise our records and enhance the visibility of our national heritage,” the DG said.
Earlier, the leadership of CATEWA, represented by Dr. Bridget C. Onochie, highlighted the critical need for more in-depth and intentional reporting on the art sector, underscoring the imperative of consistent reportage of the activities of the sector to its recognition and survival in a harsh economic environment.
She pointed out that the art industry is often underreported despite its socio-economic potential to national development.
Onochie further expressed gratitude to the Director General for his leadership and media-friendly attitude, and reiterated CATEWAA’s commitment to fostering a more proactive and nuanced media portrayal of the agency’s initiatives and the broader art landscape.
She said: “Art is sacred to Nigeria and deserves more recognition than it currently receives. Even though the government may have chosen to overlook this sector, we art writers and enthusiasts will not diminish its importance. As CATEWAA, we will continually champion the cause of the art sector and spotlight the exceptional works being done in the sector.”
