NAN-ELS-3
Exportation
By Justina Auta
Abuja, July 3, 2017 (NAN) The Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers in Nigeria (APCAD), FCT, Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to promote exportation of indigenous artworks.
The Chairman Chapter of the chapter, Mr Kehinde Dada, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the promotion of indigenous artworks will aid the indigenous artists to realise their potential, earn a living and generate revenue for the country.
“Exportation of arts, if adequately supported by government, has the prospect of promoting the potential of artists, generating wealth for them as well as for the country,’’ Dada said.
He also called on government to create a platform to check illegal trafficking of the country’s artworks; develop and promote arts events/festivals; and create global brands for local products.
“Efforts should be geared toward establishing designated Nigerian heritage cities to promote Nigerian creative products in countries where Nigeria has a huge population.
‘’This is in line with what the Chinese did with their cuisine and Americans with the film industry,’’ Dada said.
He said that enforcing a ban on importation of foreign artworks would further revive creativity among artists and improve the nation’s economy.
Dada advised that government to revive the spirit of creativity among creative minds to boost the country’s revenue profile and improve the nation’s economy.
He further urged government to support artists with adequate fund to promote their creativity and improve their revenue.
According to him, when artists are well motivated through adequate funding, they will attract many tourists in terms of patronage of indigenous artworks.
(NAN)
JAD/AJA/DUA
Edited by Adeleye Ajayi/Dada Ahmed