The Mellon Foundation has awarded the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) a $3 million grant, to significantly strengthen its efforts to build world-class arts management and conservation programmes in West Africa.

This funding comes at a vital time for MOWAA, with its soon-to-be-completed building, the MOWAA Institute, aimed to serve as a hub for research, conservation, and training for individuals and institutions.

MOWAA’s Executive Director, Phillip Ihenacho, said: “This support from the Mellon Foundation is critical to our mission of developing sustainable cultural infrastructure in West Africa.

“We are investing in skills development and opportunities that will contribute to the long-term growth of the cultural sector.” 

The grant will support arts management training, residencies, and heritage conservation initiatives, encouraging collaboration between local artisans and international specialists.

MOWAA’s efforts have already begun with a collaboration with the NCMM to support traditional artisanry and craftsmanship, establishing the organisation as a cultural preservation leader and benefiting the economy through tourism and culture.