Plans for the 50th celebration of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), have kicked off and its members are working tirelessly to ensure that the celebrations go well.
Historically, SNA, a professional body for all practising visual artists was founded in 1963 by artists from various art schools in Nigeria. This body exists to encourage Nigerian artists, serve as a platform for them to air their views on artistic matters and contribute positively to national development.
It would be recalled that the first President of the Society was Professor Yusuf Grillo and its first inaugural exhibition was opened by the former Head of States, General Yakubu Gowon in 1964.
Speaking to the press recently, the president of SNA, Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Dotun Alabi, said the society had grown numerically, having various chapters in the country, since inception,.
According to him, “SNA turned 50 this year 2013 and the national chapter marked the anniversary with a distinguished Lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed: “The Role of Art in National Transformation” on June 11, 2013, the lecture was delivered by Romuald Hazonme, a-Porto Novo born artist. The occasion was chaired by Chief Arthur Mbanefo and the guest of honour was Dr. Abdullahi Muku, the Director General, National Gallery of Modern Art.
“In continuation to the celebration, the following are the activities lined up by the Lagos State Chapter of SNA in marking the anniversary include” 15th Annual Juried Art Exhibition titled ‘October Rain’. With the theme: “National Transformation,” it will take place at the Nike Art Centre, #2 Elegushi Road, Ikate Roundabout, Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 4:00 pm. As Lagos State Chapter, we also deem it fit to celebrate the anniversary in our way,” Alabi said.
He revealed that the chairman of the occasion would be the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Lagos State, Mr. Oladisun Holloway. “The Special guest of honour is Miss Yinka Fashola; the guests of honour are the National president of SNA, Mr. Oliver Enwonwu and the chief executive officer of AB Artworld Limited Mr. Alex Ewuzie. The host is Mr. Dotun Alabi, the Chairman, SNA Lagos Chapter.
“Some of the exhibiting artists are: Pa JD Ojiekere, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Mr. Olu Ajayi, Mr. Uyobisere Abraham Mr. Dotun Alabi, Mr. W Okonyeh-Dixon, Mr. Bunmi Lasaki, Mr. Akeem Balogun, Mrs. Ojeomoghia Leticia, Mr. Mc Bede Okpara, Mr. Aimufia Osagie, Mr. Gbenga Billyrose, Mr. Idowu Sonaya, Mrs. Odun Orimolade, Mr. Kehinde Oso, Mr. Olojo-Kosoko, Mr. Ojo Olatubosun, Mr. Aladegbongbe, Mr. Aderinsye, Mr. Ajibade Awoyemi, Mr. Agose Partrick and Mr. Ezekiel Efe Ukoh.
“The celebration will be rounded off with a Gala night/Fund raising/Induction and Award ceremony on December 5, 2013 at Terra Kulture, Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. At the event, new members will be inducted and certificates given. Some of the works painted during the Art Café held on June 20, 2013 will be exhibited for fund raising and also awards will be given,” he added.
The president emphasised that the involvement of everyone is necessary. He warmly invited art lovers, prospective buyers, art connoisseur, art collectors and the general public to attend and celebrate with them.
While throwing lights on the achievement of SNA in Lagos State, the secretary of SNA, Mr. Dixon Wilson disclosed that getting the federal government to fund the society is becoming strenuous despite the fact that art is important to the society.
Also speaking the treasurer of the society, Mr. Idowu Sonaya dwelt on government not expressing interest in the area of arts and implored the government to see art as a tool for developing the nation. “We are using this medium to reach out to those that matter to really look into invest in arts. Without arts, a lot of things cannot be. You need to wear good cloth, good shoes and so on. So we are appealing to see this profession as a noble one. We want the government to give us yearly grant to sustain the association.”
In unison, the executive members of SNA, Lagos State Chapter urged the educational sector to separate fine (visual) art from the performing art in schools curricula in Nigeria so that more students would embrace the noble profession – visual art.
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