Artists seek govt. assistance, reward for works

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) has called on Anambra state government to create an Arts Centre in Awka, the state capital to enable practitioners showcase their works  and residents appreciate them more.

 The Anambra chapter of the society made the call during its third Arts Exhibition organised in conjunction with TrigPoint Hotels yesterday.

The chairman of the chapter, Mr Tony Otikpa, said it is unfortunate that Awka which had a good number of seasoned artists did not have a gallery where enthusiasts could go and make collections.

Otikpa said this year’s exhibition was organised in honour of one of their members Prof Uche Okeke who died two years ago as well as to promote culture and raise patronage.

He noted that absence of a gallery in the state capital is a major challenge for artists and collectors noting that it is incumbent on the state government to build an arts gallery for artists.

Mrs Izlar Batil, a German Arts enthusiast said that the art works exhibited in Awka were rich in form and subject with strong cultural underpinnings.

Batil who is a visiting lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said art works in most western museums were borrowed from Africa and called on the exhibitors to expand their frontiers.

“My take is that the artists should take this rich culture and make it popular, they should find a place outside here and connect these work with the world,” she said.

Three artists including Prof. Cliff Nwanna and Dr Chudi Okoye both sculpture experts and Nnabuife a paint artists exhibited not less than 58 works at the event which ends today May 3.