The National Gallery of Art (NGA) and Red Door Designs Limited have formalised a strategic partnership to transform Nigeria’s contemporary art infrastructure and enhance value creation across the creative sector.
The collaboration, sealed through a mutual agreement signed in Lagos recently, represents a deepening of ties between both organisations that first began in 2014. That year, Red Door Gallery hosted a landmark Masters Series exhibition featuring over 80 works from the National Collection, an event supported by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) that proved pivotal in elevating the profile of Nigerian modernist art internationally.
Founder, Red Door Gallery, Bola Asiru, described the agreement as a natural progression of an enduring institutional relationship built on aligned objectives. He emphasised that his organisation’s mandate extends beyond conventional gallery operations to active participation throughout the arts value chain.
“Our partnership started in 2014 when we were privileged to host about 82 works from the National Collection. Our vision has always been to play a very strong role across the entire arts value chain, and today that vision is coming to fruition under the strong leadership of the DG,” Asiru said.
He noted that the company’s function as a private sector actor involves enhancing existing government-built infrastructure, with the National Gallery providing strategic direction on priority areas requiring support.
Director-General, the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Sodangi, described the partnership as instrumental to achieving the institution’s potential as custodian of Nigeria’s artistic heritage.
“This partnership will help the creative industry and boost its economy to reach its fullest potential,” Sodangi stated.
The DG stressed the need to reconceptualise artworks as economic products within structured value chains rather than objects divorced from commercial frameworks. He argued that contemporary art must be recognised for its capacity to generate substantial economic value while preserving cultural narratives.
“These artworks are products that carry value, products that tell a story about the cultural heritage and the creative intuition of a creator,” he explained. “One of the ways to target up-and-coming artists is to show them the value, make it a means to an end.”
A central element of the partnership involves addressing systemic gaps in the creative sector through improved certification processes, professional standardisation and documentation systems. Sodangi indicated that they would collaborate with Red Door to demonstrate pathways toward economic sustainability for emerging artists.
He highlighted Red Door’s credentials in infrastructure development, intellectual capacity and international artistic networks as critical assets for advancing Nigeria’s creative sector.
During an interview following the signing ceremony, Sodangi confirmed plans for workshops, art residencies and capacity-building programmes targeting artists and gallery owners. He said forthcoming exhibitions would adhere to global best practices, reflecting evolving patterns in art production and consumption.
The partnership is expected to facilitate infrastructure investment opportunities and expand financial inclusion within the art sector. Sodangi explained that proper certification and documentation through the NGA could substantially increase the market value of Nigerian artworks.
Projecting activities of the new year, Sodangi disclosed plans for masterclasses focused on design-based exhibitions aimed at elevating sector-wide standards. He also emphasised the importance of digital platforms and urged Nigerian artists to recognise they compete in a global marketplace where presentation and marketing strategy significantly influence value perception.
Both parties expressed confidence that the partnership would position Nigeria as a leading cultural hub within Africa’s expanding contemporary art ecosystem.
