Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, celebrated World Art Day 2026 with an open house event that brought together students, lecturers, alumni and guests to promote creativity, culture and innovation.

The event, organised by the Department of Art and Industrial Design under the College of Environmental Design and Technology, was held at the college foyer with the theme, A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art.

Activities at the celebration included student art competitions, live drawing sessions, portrait sketches, landscape painting, cultural performances, sports and career talks.

Speaking at the event, the acting Head of Department of Art and Industrial Design, Mr. Olusegun Gabriel Savage, said art remained essential to human development and continued to shape every aspect of life.

According to him, art has moved beyond decoration and now plays important roles in industries such as automobile manufacturing, business promotion and healthcare.

He said modern medicine now recognises the value of art in healing spaces and emotional wellness, while businesses depend on creative design and publicity to grow.

Savage added that the celebration was also meant to provide a relaxing environment where people could step away from daily stress and express themselves through enjoyable activities.

“As part of the programme, there will be an art competition for 100 and 200 Level students, live drawing sessions and portrait works by 400 Level students,” he said.

He also announced the formal inauguration of the department’s cultural troupe, which had been active since last year.

Savage thanked the university management, staff, students and organisers for their support in making the event successful.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Aisha Adamu Augie, urged young creatives to use technology as a tool for preserving African identity and heritage.

Speaking on the topic, Preserving African Art and Culture in the Age of Technology, she said the future of cultural preservation now goes beyond physical museums and archives.

Augie said African heritage had faced threats from environmental damage, conflict, urbanisation and the displacement of artefacts over many years.

She noted that technology now offers new ways to protect both physical and intangible heritage, including dance, music, oral history and textile traditions.

According to her, virtual reality can allow students to explore ancient African kingdoms and cultural events from anywhere in the world, while digital reconstruction can recreate historic landmarks.

She added that artificial intelligence can help preserve endangered African languages, decode traditional symbols and ensure African stories are told through African voices.

She also highlighted the role of blockchain technology in protecting artists’ ownership rights and verifying modern African artworks.

Augie said social media had become a powerful cultural tool that allows festivals and traditions such as Ojude Oba, Durbar, New Yam Festival, Lisabi Festival and the Argungu Fishing Festival to gain global visibility.

She encouraged LASUSTECH students to see themselves as the “gardeners of the digital era” by using design and innovation to preserve African identity for future generations.