By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Director-General of National Gallery of Arts, Malam Ahmed Sodangi, says the agencies will support visual artists, bridge the gaps between talent and earn products, and also bringing markets for the products.
Sodangi stated this at An Islamic Art Exhibition in Abuja
The event with the theme “The Art of Appreciation II, was organised by Halal Art Gallery, and painting, mixed media and wood routing by Ridwan Adk-Osinowo.
The NGA boss explained that there is need to diversify the country’s economy, adding that one of the easiest way to go about it is the creative economy.
“The creative sector in Nigeria is very large. One of our mandate is to see how we can promote Nigerian Art and Artists.
“What we intend to do at the global level is to continue to partner with upcoming artists, particularly the new ones to see how we can create values between the talent, arts and the market.
“In Nigeria, we have the talents, so the the next thing is to brach the gap between the talent and earn products which is the art works.
“The art works are here, now let’s bring in the markets. People that are here will look at what they want.
“Also, at the global level, arts can add value to the Gross Domestic Product of Nigeria,:” Sodangi said.
Also speakinging, the Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Mohammed Daggash, appreciated Halal Art Gallery for organising the event and Adk-Osinowo for the Art works.
He called for the continuous support to Halal Art Gallery, not just in art but capacity to expand.
“I know the artists are limited, but there is need to train more so that other can benefit.
“There is a big market for this industry; and people can put up Islamic Arts and others in the Mosques, their houses, institutions, buildings and others.
“I pray that that this gallery should have a permanent section dedicated to, Islamic art. If agreed, I will personally sponsor that corner,” Daggash said.
In same vein, the Chairperson of Jaiz Takaful Insurance, Hajiya Zainab Abdulrtahaman said the Halala Art Gallery is promoting and spreading beauty and peace that the religion of Islam brings to all believer and the world.
She restated the committed of Jaiz Takaful Insurance to support the Gallery.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event attracted personalitiesfrom the creative, rteligious, public and private sectors in the country. (NAN)