Boost for Nigerian artworks, archives as MOWAA signs agreements with NGA, CBAAC

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has signed MOUs with the National Gallery of Art (NGA), and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) to cement their shared commitment to advancing African art and cultural preservation.

The partnership aims to facilitate the preservation of Nigeria’s culturally and historically significant works, while also developing digitized archives to expand research, exhibition practice, and public access. Over a five-year period, it will also feature institutional exchanges and scholarships to reinvigorate research-based practices and bring homegrown perspectives on the significant cultural legacies of both known and under-celebrated Nigerian artists.

Bringing technical expertise to public collections, a key component is to strengthen conservation capacity through training and skills transfer, a core pillar of MOWAA’s mission to upskill practitioners in the arts and culture sector.

Speaking on the upcoming signing, Ore Disu, director of MOWAA Institute, shared: “This collaboration underscores the role of the MOWAA Institute as a pivotal regional resource, ensuring our new state-of-the-art facility supports other institutions across Nigeria. Ultimately, MOWAA is here to help preserve and showcase the country’s rich artistic tradition, from restoration and training interventions to publications and exhibitions. We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with NGA and CBAAC, demonstrating what is possible when Nigerians act collectively.”

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration across key areas including: Archival storage and preventative conservation, which will see MOWAA provide access to its conservation facilities to support the preservation of selected works from NGA and CBAAC’s collections. Conservation teams will work together to assess, treat, and preserve artworks with significant cultural and historical value.

The agreement also includes research and development, amid joint research initiatives focusing on developing archives and sustainable conservation methods tailored to the unique challenges of preserving African art, materials, and publications as well as training and capacity building in restoration, conservation and digital archiving.

Also, MOWAA will provide access to professional training and skill-building resources to enhance expertise in the critical areas.

Other agreements include; events and seminars and documentation and knowledge sharing.

Remarking on the landmark moment, Ahmed Sodangi, director general of NGA, said: “This is one huge breakthrough we have been working on for a while. This noble initiative will not only open a new vista for our organisation but will further enhance the professionalism of our staff. This tripartite relationship promises to improve and positively impact stakeholders in the sector. More exciting is the shared commitment and opportunity it holds for the partnering institutions.”

Aisha Augie, director general of CBAAC, added:
“CBAAC is honored to be part of this historic initiative, which reaffirms our dedication to the promotion of African identity and artistic excellence on a global stage. Through this collaboration, we will not only safeguard the legacies of our past but also inspire future generations through learnings, research and publications, creative innovation and cultural exchange.”

Activities are due to kick off in the coming months. Elizabeth Adeyemo, MOWAA head of collections and senior conservator, explained:

“Artworks from Nigeria are some of the most sought after in the world, but we are often left out of international exhibition opportunities due to limited capacity for art storage and management. We are excited to work more closely with national collections, linking our modern masterpieces to the global arts scene. Thanks to NGA’s leadership, we are geared to pilot this collaboration with the restoration of prestigious 20th century paintings, with support from Goethe Institut Nigeria this summer. This builds on our experience with private collectors and global institutions, such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, ensuring African creativity continues to inspire future generations, here and abroad.”

The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration that aligns with national and global efforts to promote African art and culture.

Located in Benin City and founded in 2020, MOWAA is an independent non-profit institution dedicated to the preservation of heritage, expansion of knowledge and celebration of West African arts and culture. Located in Benin City, MOWAA was founded in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for bridging connections between contemporary arts and the rich cultural heritage of West Africa through research, education, exhibitions and dynamic public programmes.

The NGA is a federal government agency dedicated to showcasing Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage, fostering creativity, and preserving the nation’s cultural legacy, while CBAAC is a Pan African agency with a mandate to promote public interest in understanding and appreciation of the Black and African Art and Culture with a view of emphasizing the contribution of Black and African peoples to world civilization.