LAGOS – Mr Bunmi Babatunde, the Chairman, Universal Studio of Arts, on Wednesday urged [pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]government at all levels to provide friendly and enabling environment for artists to thrive in the country.
Babatunde, a sculptor, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that artists were a vital part of the nation’s economy and needed to be encouraged.
He said that government was only focusing on film production and ignoring other sectors in the arts world.
“The visual and fine artists, sculptors, carvers and others have been ignored for so long.
“Government has forgotten that the visual and fine artists equally depict societal happenings in their works, just like the film makers.
“If we are provided with an enabling environment and assisted with funds like the film makers, the government and the populace will be surprised at our achievements.
“This set of people should not be ignored because every talent is associated with fortune, if well developed,’’ the sculptor said.
According to him, a work of art can depict the profession of a lawyer, journalist, banker, architect, historian and so many others.
Babatunde urged government to structure policies which would guide development in the art sector.
“The growth the sector has gained over the years is from the effort of individuals.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch things deteriorate; government needs to wake up and be more amenable to help with our challenges.
“Most of our tools are imported; they are not available in the market,’’ he said.
Babatunde urged talented Nigerian artists, regardless of genre, to remain optimistic that things would change for the better very soon. (NAN)