Lagos – Mrs Caline Youdaber, Director, Art Twenty One, a U.K.-based art gallery, has called for synergy between Nigeria, the U.S. and other foreign countries to boost the nation’s art sector.
Youdaber made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos after she opened her second art gallery at Eko Hotel and Suites.
She urged the Federal Government to create more platforms for art and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and other countries.
“The idea is to promote cultural and art exchanges between Nigeria and other countries. Seeking collaboration with countries will strengthen its relationship and also bring about cultural integration,’’ Youdaber said.
The artist said that as part of efforts to strengthen relationship between Nigeria and other countries, her organisation had opened a new branch at Eko Hotel and Suite in Lagos.
She said that it would serve as a platform for both local and foreign artists to exchange ideas, exhibit their art works and share experiences.
“The purpose of setting up the art gallery in Lagos, Nigeria, is because Lagos State is the commercial hub of the country.
“Although, Art Twenty One gallery has be opened since 2013 in Lagos, it was just given adequate publicity recently to gain national and international attention of artists to exhibit their works,’’ she said.
She disclosed that her organisation had just-concluded a day arts exhibition in Lagos on Oct. 31.
Youdaber said that the art exhibition entitled “Another Congo’’ at the gallery featured the works of Magnum Photographers, like Mr Alex Majoli and Mr Paolo Pellegrin.
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She said that the exhibition was organised in Lagos to identify with the huge art, culture and tourism potential that the state was blessed with.
“The zeal was to position the city as a major force in the international art world. Lagos State has huge art and cultural potential that could be showcased to the world.
“The exhibition will attract more tourists, investors, create jobs and also raise the nation’s foreign exchange earnings,’’ she said.
She expressed optimism that if the sector was given the needed attention, it would increase the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. (NAN)