Gallery MD blames low patronage of artworks on poverty

Mrs Evelyn Etudor, the Managing Director of Diaga Arts Gallery, has attributed the low patronage of artworks in Nigeria on economic recession.

Etudor made this remark in an interview with Newsverge in Abuja on Friday.

“The low patronage of artworks is due to the economic crisis as people look for money to feed their families instead of buying artworks.

According to her, this lull in the business is also affecting the development of the art industry.

“Before one thinks of getting a piece of an artwork to decorate his or her house or office, the necessary needs for the family must have been met.

“Artworks are for treasure and pleasure and a hungry stomach needs food more than anything else,” she said.

Etudor urged government at all levels and the private sector to look into the Art, as an alternative means of generating wealth for the country, especially in the face of the dwindling oil prices.

“Art in the country is stagnant; this is not because people are not aware of it but because the resources to buy the works are not there.

“You cannot tell someone to buy an artwork worth N100, 000 to put in his house when he is not sure of how to pay his rent or settle the children’s school fees.

“It is so challenging but if government can ensure a stable economic environment and provide the basic infrastructure for the wellbeing of the citizenry, then art business can thrive,’’ she added.

Etudor, however, called on government authorities to encourage Art education by giving a deserved priority to it in the school curriculum.