A visual artist, Mr David Olatoye, has said emerging artists in Nigeria need government’s support.
He urged governments at all levels to provide support for artists, particularly emerging ones, to enable them contribute to the development of the country.
Olatoye said such support would empower artists to unlock their creative potential, generate income and create jobs, which aligned with government’s recognition of arts, to drive economic growth.
Speaking in Ibadan during an art exhibition with the theme: ‘One Dream at a Time’, he lamented that emerging artists in Nigeria faced challenges, saying ‘’to address these challenges, there is need for government’s intervention.’’
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According to him, by supporting artists, government can tap into creative industry’s potential to promote cultural exchange, national identity and economic growth.
Olatoye said: “Artists are not collecting salary. We need fund, we need money. One of the things that can boost a country’s economy is art. The work of art may not be for anybody, but it should be for everybody.
“Artists will always think of beautiful things and think large when government assists them and gives them support. Governments should help us and support us. They should do the needful so that we can all grow the nation together.”
The curator of the exhibition, Frances Akinkuoye, who described Olatoye as a dreamer boy, said ‘One Dream at a Time’ was a testament to Olatoye’s commitment towards supporting emerging artists.
“My dream is to continue to support artists, build community and support art work. Our goal is to pick emerging artists, support them and bring them into the limelight globally.”