By Japhet Davidson
A renowned contemporary artist, mentor and art promoter, Godwin Archie-Abia, has called for more investment in the creative industries and tourism to further leverage economic growth for Nigeria. Archie-Abia who is the founder and director of WinArc Gallery, located in Ipaja area of Lagos, made the appeal during a chat with newsmen in his gallery.
Abia who is worried about the state of the economy and its impact on the industry said Nigeria has a lot to gain if they tap into the potentials in the visual art industry. The creative industry’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP is huge, he said, citing the music sector’s impressive growth. “By embracing our diversity, we position Nigeria as a global master – a hub of creativity and ingenuity,” he stated.
According to the artist, Nigeria’s Visual Art wealth is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of our people. “Look at how our fine artist exhibit all over the globe with no backing from the government. We must recognise and celebrate our differences, rather than allowing them to divide us. We should promote ideology, celebrating Nigeria’s arts heritage, and exploring ways to harness diversity for economic growth.”
On the state of the economy, he said the economy is affecting the art industry like other sectors and that is why every artist must not depend on Nigerian economy. The internet is there to explore and reach out to the world.
The government should not depend on oil, “Oil is a curse, not a blessing to the third world countries. It can be a blessing to the middle east but not so for our side. Oil does not give us the opportunity to think, and if you don’t think you will not make it. Our politicians should try and think, but they are not, that was one of the reasons why I brought art to the rural area so that children can start thinking from the early stage.”
