Nigerian Artists have been described as having the ability to re-engineer the mind and having the capability to contribute immensely to solving the problem of insecurity in the country, with the right investment in the industry.
This submission was made by the director, Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura at the 13th annual distinguished lecture of the National Gallery of Art today (March 15) in Nasarawa State.
While presenting a paper titled “Creativity, Artists, Livelihoods in persistent insecurities”, Dandaura, the guest lecturer at the event, described artists as “surgeons of the mind” and insisted that if humanity must enjoy good health, the life of artists must be given a boost. “Creativity must occupy a prime position in humanity for sustainability to be achieved.
“Government needs to pay close attention to the welfare of artists, as other contributors to national development by providing opportunities for artists to thrive in their field.”
Earlier, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed pledged to make art a viable venture in Nigeria.
The minister pledged that the Federal Government will continue to diversify the economy and focus on tapping from the invaluable resources in art and tourism.
The minister also called on Nigerians to not see art as a vocation only but as a lucrative profession.
