The Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Sodangi, recently announced the successful digitisation and restoration of the National Collection.
The initiative not only aims to preserve the rich artistic heritage of the collection but also enhances its accessibility and relevance in today’s digital landscape.
He emphasised that the key component of this project is the development of a comprehensive digital catalogue, which will serve as an extensive inventory of the National Collection.
Sodangi highlighted the valuable partnerships facilitated by the Goethe-Institut and the Museum of West African Art, along with collaboration from Julius Berger. These partnerships are crucial in drawing on expertise and resources to effectively revitalise the collection.
He announced that the gallery will receive the first set of digitised inventory on Friday, August 1st, marking a significant milestone achieved in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut. This initial step in the digitisation process sets the stage for a systematic cataloguing of the National Collection and reflects a commitment to enhancing cultural preservation.
The DG made this known while hosting members of the Culture, Arts, Tourism and Entertainment Writers Association in Abuja, emphasising the importance of this initiative for the future of the National Gallery of Art.
He also explained that the gallery is in the process of implementing certification measures that will enhance the value of its work. These measures will include issuing travel permits and the integration of QR codes that will provide instant information about artworks, enriching the visitor experience and promoting engagement with the collection.
Sodangi reassured artists that the agency is fully committed to supporting them through its readiness to guide them on accessing the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), a new initiative introduced by the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy. This fund is designed to foster innovation and support creative endeavours, helping to nurture the creative economy as a whole.
“The overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive and centralised system that consolidates our efforts across various regions. Currently, we have a presence in approximately 26 states, which provides us with a unique opportunity to effectively implement the mandates specific to those localities.
“A key component of our initiative is to enhance the National Collection, which involves not only valuing its contents but also creating a detailed digital catalogue that will make it accessible to a wider audience. To achieve this ambitious vision, we have formed a strategic partnership with notable institutions such as the Goethe-Institut and the Museum of West African Art, as well as collaborating with Julius Berger to rejuvenate our collection.
“I am pleased to announce that on Friday, the 1st of August, we will receive the initial batch of newly digitised inventories for the National Collection. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernise our records and enhance the visibility of our national heritage,” he said.
Additionally, the President of CATEWAA, Mrs. Bridget Onoche, highlighted the critical need for more in-depth and intentional reporting on the art sector, underscoring its vital role in the cultural fabric of Nigeria.
She pointed out that the art industry is often underreported, despite the vibrancy and abundance of activities occurring within it.
Mrs. Onoche expressed her gratitude to the Director-General for his leadership and reiterated CATEWAA’s commitment to fostering a more proactive and nuanced media portrayal of the agency’s initiatives and the broader art landscape.
She firmly stated, “Art is sacred to Nigeria and deserves more recognition than it currently receives. Even though the government may have chosen to overlook this sector, we will not diminish its importance. As CATEWAA, we will continually champion the cause of the art sector and spotlight the exceptional work being done in our galleries.”
