In a significant move poised to redefine the trajectory of art conservation and cultural heritage in Nigeria, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has entered into groundbreaking Memoranda of Understanding with two of the country’s leading cultural institutions: the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC).
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The strategic partnership is geared toward the preservation of culturally significant artworks, the digitisation of archives, and the advancement of research and exhibition practices. Over the course of five years, the agreement will also facilitate institutional exchanges and offer scholarships, empowering a new generation of researchers, curators, and conservators with indigenous knowledge and global exposure.
One of the defining goals of this collaboration is the enhancement of conservation capacity. Through rigorous training and skills transfer, MOWAA aims to strengthen the ability of practitioners to manage, restore, and protect national collections with world-class expertise.
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Ore Disu, Director of the MOWAA Institute, described the partnership as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s cultural infrastructure: “This collaboration underscores the role of the MOWAA Institute as a regional resource, ensuring that our state-of-the-art facility becomes a support system for institutions across Nigeria. From restoration and training to exhibitions and publications, we are committed to preserving the country’s rich artistic traditions.”
The scope of the collaboration includes Archival Storage and Preventative Conservation, Research and Development, Capacity Building, Public Programming, and Knowledge Dissemination. MOWAA will open its conservation labs to support selected works from NGA and CBAAC, fostering joint efforts in restoration and preservation.
Research efforts will focus on sustainable conservation methods tailored to the unique needs of African artworks, while training programs will cultivate expertise in restoration, archiving, and digital documentation. Additionally, public-facing events such as workshops and seminars will celebrate Nigeria’s artistic legacy and broaden awareness.
The Director-General of NGA, Ahmed Sodangi, lauded the initiative: “This is a monumental step forward. It will not only elevate our organisation’s capabilities but also positively impact the broader sector. This tripartite relationship promises shared growth and greater professionalism.”
Aisha Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, echoed this sentiment: “We are honoured to join this historic alliance, which reinforces our mission to elevate African cultural excellence. Together, we aim to protect our heritage while inspiring future generations.”
The collaboration will commence in the coming months, beginning with the restoration of select 20th-century Nigerian paintings, supported by Goethe-Institut Nigeria. Elizabeth Adeyemo, MOWAA’s Head of Collections and Senior Conservator, noted the significance: “Many of our national treasures are excluded from global platforms due to storage and conservation limitations. This project links our masterpieces to the world stage.”
Founded in 2020 and located in Benin City, MOWAA is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving West African heritage and promoting contemporary artistic expression. The NGA, established in 1993, serves as the nation’s leading art institution, while CBAAC—created following the FESTAC ’77 cultural festival—continues to champion African and Black identity through its expansive collections and initiatives.
This new era of cooperation is expected to drive both local and international recognition of Nigerian art, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
