Cultural Articulations of Contemporary Art as Developmental Incentives for Nigeria and Her Diaspora

Abstract

The prospect of the culturally oriented Nigerian contemporary art as an incentive for not only fostering national development, but also propagating art and cultural collaboration with the Diaspora has not been given the due consideration it requires. Nigerian art as it relates to culture is sometimes examined from a perspective that delineates it as a form of craft bereft of prospective insights capable of instigating transformation in the country and her relationship with the diaspora. The contrary is the case for Western art. They have for many years acknowledged the priceless possibilities this indigenous inclination of art offers, and adapted its potential for effecting and promoting profound transformations in diverse spheres of their national development. This paper discusses the various ways through which a culture-centric contemporary art can spur such impact in Nigeria and the diaspora. It also examines the artistic experiences of selected world renowned Nigerian artists whose related works have achieved remarkable success in propelling development within and outside the continent or resolutely addressed issues that impede it. From the findings of this study, it is expected that Nigerians and those in the Diaspora, will discover the significant possibilities in sustainable development that a creative collaboration deeply rooted in a shared cultural history can instigate.