As Nigeria marked its 64th independence anniversary, yesterday, Tuesday, the country’s arts and culture scene came alive with a plethora of vibrant events, exhibitions, and performances. To say that the country is richly endowed with both human and natural resources, and rich cultural heritage, is stating the obvious. From the visual arts to film, literature, music, and theatre, Nigeria’s creative industries have gained global recognition, setting benchmarks across Africa and beyond.
But besides the fanfare, independence anniversary presented an opportunity for introspection, celebration, and recommitment to the nation’s cultural development. How has the the arts and culture in Nigeria fared far, especially in the last one year of this administration? It appears that despite the various challenges such as funding sustainability, lack of a national cultural policy, infrastructure maintenance, piracy and copyright issues, among others, the sector, against all odds, has continued to assert itself. “The arts has continue to prosper against all odds like an orphan,” says renowned artist, curator and professor of Fine Art at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof.
Jerry Buhari, in an interview with New Telegraph. He notes that Nigerian artist “are creating incredible works in their diversity,” adding that “they are engaging issues of aesthetics, social commentary and often critical of the political landscape. Artists are winning international awards and receivin.
