Culture

FG Nominates Obaseki to Lead Nigerian Delegation to 60th International Art Exhibition in Italy

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2024

The federal government has nominated Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to lead the Nigerian delegation to the 60th International Art Exhibition organised by La Biennale di Venezia and taking place in the Veneto region of Italy from April 16 to 18, 2024.

Obaseki was nominated due to the state’s landmark successes in promoting the rich culture, arts, and heritage and advancing the economic potential of tourism in Edo State.

According to the state government, the governor will be the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion at the exhibition.

“Edo State and its capital city, Benin City, have been a main heritage and cultural artistic hub in Nigeria for centuries and Governor Godwin Obaseki has a strong desire to support arts and culture.”

“The government of Edo State is planning to develop a cultural district in the centre of Benin City. The cultural hub is intended to span a large expanse of land that will bring in new structures and also accommodate existing ones such as the National Museum Benin City. The development of the cultural district is intended to expand the cultural and creative industries to attract tourists to the country, the federal government noted in its letters to the organisers to nominate Governor Obaseki.

The Board of the Museum of West African Arts alongside the President of the Veneto region, will receive the delegation and guide Governor Obaseki and his team on a tour of the Nigerian Pavilion and Art Exhibition.

“This is the very first time a sub-national is leading the Nigerian delegation to such an event. The Veneto region is the wealthiest and most productive region in Italy with one of the highest gatherings of people of African descent.

“Edo intends to learn from The Veneto development model that is characterised by strong export-oriented entrepreneurship in traditional economic sectors.

“The Edo State Government will collaborate with the government of the region via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to foster Sociocultural and Economic partnership that will be beneficial to the improved growth, development, and productivity of Edo State,” the organisers said.

The partnership, according to the organisers, will further facilitate cooperation in technical and vocational training, advance opportunities in the agricultural sector, enhance information technology capacity, promote tourism, increase economic opportunities in the textile industry, and promote social and cultural relationships between both countries.

The eight artists to be featured in the group exhibition are Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, and Fatimah Tuggar.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”