Nigerian Government Pledges Support for Arts Sector, Partners with New Academy to Bolster Creative Talent
The Nigerian government has renewed its commitment to nurturing the country’s arts and culture sector, setting sights on strengthening its creative economy. This pledge was underscored by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, at the recent launch of EVVDEE Art Academy in Lagos. Founded by Dr Fola David, the Nigerian artist renowned for his Guinness World Record for the largest solo drawing, the academy aims to cultivate artistic talent and create a robust platform for the nation’s burgeoning arts community.
EVVDEE Art Academy, as outlined in a statement, will function as a comprehensive hub for artists nationwide and abroad, providing opportunities to learn, connect, exhibit work, and access mentoring and collaboration. Musawa announced that the government is exploring partnership opportunities with the academy to help bridge skill gaps and elevate Nigeria’s presence in the global art market.
“We intend to use this academy’s model to drive development in the art sector,” Musawa said. “By investing in skill-building initiatives, we can equip talented individuals with the resources they need to thrive as professional artists.”
Supporting Musawa’s stance, Ayo Adeagbo, Special Assistant to the President on Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, hailed DrDavid’s initiative as reflective of the administration’s vision to spotlight Nigerian art on the international stage.
At the event, Dr David noted the academy’s mission to foster a ‘family-like bond’ among artists and address challenges that have often hampered their growth. “Exhibition opportunities and a sense of community are essential for artists,” he explained. “These elements were lacking in my own journey, so EVVDEE aims to fill that gap.”
As part of its offerings, EVVDEE will provide workshops, short courses, and masterclasses, while art exchange programmes and residencies will cater to artists outside Lagos and from abroad. The academy’s teaching roster includes distinguished names such as Dotun Popoola, Ken Nwadiogbu, and Academy Director Abisola K. Gbadamosi, each bringing expertise in areas from painting and sculpture to digital art.
David also shared that EVVDEE will partner with the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) to showcase artist work and invite international art educators, marking a significant step towards the academy’s full opening in 2025. He confirmed that the NGA will offer certification in courses covering a range of disciplines, including photography, animation, and digital design.
This academy, he concluded, stands not only as a place of artistic instruction but as a “pillar of support” for a new generation of Nigerian creatives, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.
