Kaduna Fashion and Art Exhibition (KAFART) has expressed openness to collaborations with government bodies, the public, and private entities to enhance Northern arts and culture.
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It also outlined a strategy to help the government make a profit from the tourism sector and mitigate the loss of revenue caused by insecurity.

At its 5th Arts Edition themed “Into The Art of Making,” Ganiyat Sani, KAFART’s Artistic Director, underscored the organization’s pivotal role in preserving Northern arts and culture.

Emphasizing the pressing need to rejuvenate the artistic legacies, especially in the north, Sani highlighted that the decline in cultural preservation was due to insecurity and the challenges faced by the government in revenue generation within the art and tourism sectors.

She said “KAFART has evolved as a custodian of Northern culture. In our 5th year, we earnestly seek partnerships with Federal and State Governments and stakeholders to uplift Northern arts. Our aim is not only to celebrate Northern culture but also to provide a global platform for exhibiting its rich heritage,” conveyed Sani.
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Emphasizing their innovative commitment to preserving Northern culture, Sani revealed, “KAFART has partnered with Greysoft Technologies, introducing Virtual Reality technology that grants tourists immersive experiences exploring artifacts in Northern museums and historical heritage centres.”

Isah Refael, CEO of Greysoft Technologies also noted the significant impact of insecurity on tourism revenue and highlighted the potential for a N20 billion boost in three years through the KAFART and Greysoft partnership’s Virtual Reality(VR) integration into the tourism sector. He stressed the necessity for national museums and cultural centers to embrace VR’s capacity to transcend physical barriers, especially in regions marred by insecurity.

Refael urged collaborative efforts to create virtual renditions of historically significant sites, like Kaduna’s Arewa House, not only to drive tourism revenue but also to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage for younger generations.
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Abdullah Maigaskiya, a discussant at the event, underscored the pivotal role of Northern artists in conveying societal realities amidst challenges like banditry and terrorism. He urged artists to engage influential figures through their work to address the region’s concerns.

Highlighting the potency of art as a tool for social advocacy, Maigaskiya stressed the need for deliberate artistic creations to reshape narratives, drawing from personal experiences portraying Nigeria’s positive aspects and market value during international travels.

Meanwhile, the exhibition attracted numerous personalities and guests from across the country and West Africa. It featured a diverse range of activities, including Performances, Panel Sessions, Exhibitions showcasing works of emerging and established local and international artists and fashion designers, Film Screenings, Workshops, Masterclasses, and a Fashion Runway Show.
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