Nigeria has concluded plans to set up a pavilion at the forthcoming International Cultural Exhibition scheduled to commence on Tuesday, April 16 to 18, 2024, in Italy.
The Biennale, officially organized by the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWAA), is an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice by the Biennale Foundation.
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, said ahead of the event that the Pavilion will serve as a platform for Nigerian artists to exhibit their works on the international stage, allowing them to reach a global audience and gain recognition for their talent.
“For the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, the inclusion of the Nigerian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024 holds immense significance. It is an opportunity to leverage the platform to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural ties with other nations, fostering mutual respect, appreciation, and collaboration in the arts.
“One of the highlights of the Venice Biennale is the national pavilions, which represent different countries and showcase their artists’ works. Each country’s pavilion offers a unique perspective on contemporary art, reflecting the cultural diversity and artistic practices of its nation.
“Nigeria’s pavilion serves as a catalyst for conversations around Nigerian arts and culture, promoting dialogue and understanding between different cultures and societies. Our collective aim is to position Nigeria as the world’s culture, creativity, and entertainment capital.”
Themed ‘Foreigners Everywhere’, the pavilion exhibitions, which will be held at the historic Palazzo Salviati in Dorsoduro, near the Gallerie dell’Accademia, will feature eight Nigerian artists, including Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Yinka Shonibare, Fatimah Tuggar, and Precious Okoyomon, whose contribution to the main exhibition at the 2022 edition made her a breakout star.
Nigeria’s Pavilion will serve as a springboard for future collaborations, exchanges, and partnerships within the global art community.
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According to Barrister Musawa, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy is partnering with MOWAA to empower cultural professionals to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Africa will be represented by 10 countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
According to the statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, Nigeria had previously participated in the 2017 edition.