By Iniubong ANAKO
In bygone years, Nigeria was an epicenter of contemporary artworks. Works of arts such as pottery,
paintings, carvings, textile production, sculptures and crafts formed
an integral part of the society. Artists were revered in the polity even
as their artworks enjoyed patronage locally and internationally.
The waning commitment by relevant authorities in reviving the sector coupled with the populace's seeming disinterest in promoting culture have pushed work of arts towards extinction.
However, against the run of play, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been exploring and implementing strategies aimed at breathing life into the sector - the latest being an arts exhibition in Uyo captioned "USORO USO" billed to commence on Thursday June 8, 2017.
Venue for the exhibition is Ibibio Unity Museum, Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
The term "USORO USO" literally translates into Festival of Arts.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Victor Antai, who has severally reiterated his desire to make the state the number one culture and tourism hub in Nigeria, has been working assiduously to ensure that the festival becomes a huge success.
Offering a sneak preview of the arts fair, Hon. Antai revealed that a wide range of artworks from the very best of Akwa Ibom and Nigerian artists shall be on display.
According to him, USORO USO will ensure that artworks and artists are given desired attention. He added that the exhibition will serve as a melting pot for the past, present and future.
Rt. Hon. Antai while hinting that the exhibition will unlock Akwa Ibom, nay Nigeria's tourism potentials, disclosed that works done by prominent and lesser known artists shall be on display.
Artists penciled down to headline the show are: veteran sculptor Bruce Onobrakpeya, Ben Essien, Nsikak Essien and Olu Amoda.
The exhibition expected to run from Thursday, June 8th, 2017 till June 22nd, 2017, shall be declared open by His Excellency , Deacon Udom Emmanuel, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Commissioner Antai, onbehalf of his ministry and the government of Akwa Ibom state, invites lovers of art and creativity and indeed all and sundry to witness the epoch making event as the tourism potentials of the amazing Akwa Ibom would be in focus.
(Iniubong ANAKO is an Uyo Based Media Consultant, iniubonganako@yahoo.com 07066986727).
No comments: