MOWAA institute will open new era for West African art and heritage

The management of Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), has said the institute will opened a new era of West African Art and Heritage.

Daily Trust reports that MOWAA institute’s key focus is on research and education, with the goal of empowering future generations of cultural stewards by developing African leadership in heritage studies and practices.

Speaking during the the official unveiling and preview of MOWAA, the Institute’s Director, Ore Disu, said MOWAA is out to create something that gives Black and African people a sense of their place in the world and platforms to articulate what happens next.

“Without robust records and monuments, it can be difficult to visualise what Africa societies built, invented and achieved. No Akan, Yoruba or Edo person should ever doubt the sophistication of their ancestors.”

Ore said the Institute is an intellectual and cultural monument for the region, putting MOWAA at the forefront of current African museum practice.

In his remarks, Philip Ihenacho, the, Executive Director of MOWAA, said the Museum of West African Art limites was established in 2019 as a not-for-profit foundation/trust incorporated as a company limited by guarantee.

Ihenacho, noted MOWAA is committed to the long-term support of the creative sector and a transparent, professional governance structure consistent with international standards.

Also speaking, the Director-General, National Council for Museum and Monument (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway said “the world is watching, and what we do here serves as a model for what we are capable of as Nigerians and Africans alike.

“I want everyone to know that NCMM has seen this, and it is a challenge for us. This has raised the bar, so anything we do at the federal level must match and tie into this vision,” he said.

On his part, the Consul General, Federal Republic of Germany, Weert Boerner said “Today, we are impressed by this modern Institute building featuring unique African architecture and design, as well as cutting-edge technology that is partially installed and will be installed soon”

He said the Federal of Germany are excited about the launch of its inaugural exhibition next year.

“On behalf of my government, I am pleased to say that we are proud to be a part of this project, through financial support from the German Foreign Office for the construction and operation of this ‘museum in the making’ over the last two years.” He said.