MOWAA, NGA, and CBAAC partner to boost modern artworks, archives

The agreement lays the groundwork for revitalized archives, improved care for artistic treasures, and expanded platforms for Nigerian voices in global art conversations.

THERE is a significant step forward for African art and heritage with the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).

The collaboration aims to preserve Nigeria’s culturally and historically significant works while developing digitized archives to expand research, exhibition practice, and public access.

Based in Benin City and founded in 2020, MOWAA is an independent nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and celebrating the richness of West African arts through research, education, exhibitions, and public programs.

The partnership with NGA and CBAAC reinforces their shared vision of safeguarding Nigeria’s artistic legacy while advancing access and innovation in the cultural sector.

The five-year agreement sets the stage for key initiatives, including Archival Storage and Preventative Conservation: MOWAA will provide access to its conservation facilities to support the preservation of selected works from NGA & CBAAC’s collections. Conservation teams will work together to assess, treat, and preserve artworks with significant cultural and historical value.

Research and Development: Joint research initiatives will focus on developing archives and sustainable conservation methods tailored to the unique challenges of preserving African art, materials, and publications.

Training and Capacity Building: The partnership will prioritize restoration, conservation and digital archiving training programmes. MOWAA will provide access to professional training and skill-building resources to enhance expertise in these critical areas.

Events and Seminars: The partnering institutions will collaborate on events, seminars, and workshops aimed at fostering public engagement, celebrating Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, and promoting preservation efforts globally.

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing research findings, toolkits, databases, and other resources will ensure the dissemination of valuable knowledge within the sector.

The partnership is envisaged to lead to the revival of local archives; specialist care for timeless works, and the expansion of spaces for curators, artists, and thinkers to shape global conversations in powerful and unprecedented ways.

Director of the MOWAA Institute, Ore Disu, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration highlights MOWAA Institute’s role as a regional hub. Our new state-of-the-art facility is designed to support institutions across Nigeria, from restoration efforts to exhibitions and publications. We’re proud to work alongside NGA and CBAAC to showcase the depth and brilliance of Nigerian art.”

NGA Director-General, Ahmed Sodangi, praised the agreement: “This is a breakthrough for us. It promises not only to elevate our institution but also to enhance professionalism across the sector. The shared commitment is inspiring and holds transformative potential for everyone involved.”

CBAAC Director-General, Aisha Augie, echoed the enthusiasm: “We are honoured to be part of this milestone initiative. It reaffirms our dedication to preserving African identity and artistic excellence through research, creativity, and cultural exchange.”

MOWAA’s Head of Collections and Senior Conservator, Elizabeth Adeyemo, confirmed that implementation is set to begin soon. “Nigerian artworks are among the most sought-after globally, yet challenges in storage and management have limited our visibility. Through this partnership—and thanks to NGA’s leadership—we’ll begin restoring iconic 20th-century works supported by Goethe-Institut Nigeria. This builds on our global collaborations and strengthens our role in preserving and promoting African creativity worldwide.”

MOWAA, NGA, and CBAAC are laying the groundwork for revitalized archives, improved care for artistic treasures, and expanded platforms for Nigerian voices in global art conversations with the partnership.

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