The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has applauded ongoing efforts to preserve African arts and foster spaces where new generations of artists can thrive.

Obaseki spoke at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) African Arts Weekend in Venice, Italy, a platform aimed at promoting contemporary African art and culture.

The event, organized by the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), featured a panel discussion with key figures including Siddhartha Mitter, an art critic and writer; Aindrea Emelife, MOWAA’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, and Phillip Ihenacho, Director of MOWAA.

The panel, which explored the present and future of creative communities in West Africa, emphasized the critical role that institutions like MOWAA play in shaping cultural narratives.

Governor Obaseki, during the panel, praised the ongoing efforts to not only preserve African art but to actively foster spaces where a new generation of artists can thrive.

Speaking at the event, Governor Obaseki said, “The MOWAA African Arts Weekend reflects our commitment to ensuring that African art continues to inspire, inform, and build a creative economy in West Africa and beyond. I am proud to see Nigerian culture celebrated on this global platform, from the arts to our cuisine.”

The evening also included an exclusive four-course dinner prepared by Chef Michael Elégbèdé, a renowned Nigerian chef who collaborated with Future Plate to create a unique menu inspired by Nigeria’s diverse regions.

The dinner, held at the historic Palazzo Contarini della Porta di Ferro, was a culinary exploration of Nigeria’s rich heritage, blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques to celebrate the nation’s vibrant culture.

As part of the weekend’s activities, the upcoming Nigeria Pavilion for the 2024 Venice Biennale was highlighted, emphasizing Nigeria’s growing influence in the international art world.