The Society for Art Collection, in partnership with GAIA Africa, recently convened an Exclusive Art Collectors Evening that placed women collectors and gallerists firmly at the centre of the cultural conversation.

Themed, Women Shaping Art Legacies – Stories, Challenges & Triumphs, the event underscored the vital role women play in shaping heritage and expanding the art ecosystem.

The evening opened with a welcome address from Ifeyinwa Momah, a seasoned collector and member of the society’s governing council. Setting the tone, Sandra Obiago, founder and CEO of SMO Contemporary, delivered a keynote tracing her personal journey in art and collecting, while spotlighting the pivotal contributions of women across the sector.

A panel discussion moderated by Wunika Mukan brought together distinguished voices including Eyamba Dafinone, Ugoma Ebilah, and Ngozi Edozien. Their dialogue explored both triumphs and challenges of women in art collecting, offering candid reflections on how female perspectives are reshaping narratives and driving inclusivity within the ecosystem.

Another highlight of the evening came during the interactive discussions, when Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, a member of the governing board of the Society, raised a thought-provoking question on the issue of pricing in contemporary art.

He expressed concern that some emerging artists now set prices for their works far beyond reach, prompting reflection on the logic behind such valuations. “What is the pedigree? What is the provenance? How did the artist arrive at this?” he asked, wondering aloud whether this trend could be described as a form of post-cold pricing.

His intervention sparked a wider conversation that extended into another critical area: art insurance, with guests debating how aware and willing collectors are to insure their works and at what fraction of value such coverage should be considered.

Ajogwu emphasised that while women play a vital role in the art ecosystem, discussions on art collecting have long focused on men. Past efforts highlighted women artists but overlooked women collectors, leaving a gap the Society for Art Collection seeks to address.

Recent data shows women collectors are outspending men and reshaping the art market with bold choices, underscoring the need to spotlight Nigerian women collectors and gallerists. This initiative aligns with SDG 5 on gender equality, reflects the society’s commitment to inclusivity, and invites broader participation in recognizing women’s transformative contributions to the art world.

These reflections on inclusivity were mirrored in the very design of the evening itself.

The relaxed atmosphere that characterised the event was no accident.

Head of Operations and curator of the evening,Yacoub Adeleke, explained that the approach was deliberately crafted to move away from conventional stiffness. “The idea was to create a relaxed setting where storytelling became the core of the experience,” he noted.

Within this framework, knowledge, challenges, and successes were shared willingly and subtly, allowing the message to resonate more deeply.

The audience included an impressive roster of professionals and collectors, among them Professor Ebun Clark, a respected academic and collector, alongside Femi Akinsanya, Ibrahim Dikko, Tola Akerele, Julie McKay, Niyi Adenubi, and Olatowun Candide-Johnson, founder and CEO of GAIA Africa.

Guests departed with a renewed appreciation for the impact of women collectors and gallerists and the importance of recognising their contributions in building cultural legacies.

Ultimately, the evening reaffirmed the Society for Art Collection’s mission: to democratise art collecting literacy and spotlight the voices that continue to transform the art world. By centering women’s stories and creating space for critical dialogue, the Society not only honoured their achievements but also invited the wider public to join in advancing the art ecosystem.