How African Art Can Drive Economic Growth Amid Systemic Challenges
Charles Ajunwa writes that WO’AMA 2024 Business Conference seeks to reshape how African art is perceived, supported and developed locally and internationally
African art, brimming with cultural richness and creative energy, holds untapped potential to fuel economic growth. Yet, systemic barriers like limited government support, fragmented markets, and insufficient financing continue to stall the dream. Despite growing global interest in African art, local artists and institutions face significant obstacles that stifle growth. Public funding is scarce, financial frameworks are inadequate, and fragmented support systems make sustainability difficult for many creatives.
The WO’AMA Business Conference 2024 in its inaugural edition is a response to these challenges, offering a platform for strategic discussions and transformative ideas aimed at reshaping the future of African art. WO’AMA in Izon means “Our Community”.
Convener for the conference, Sunshine Alaibe, says the maiden WO’AMA Business Conference seeks among others, to create a space for bold ideas, collaboration, and actionable strategies.
According to her, the event scheduled for December 3, 2024, at Alliance Française in Lagos, is set to bring together artists, curators, gallerists, cultural administrators, and policymakers.
“The theme, ‘Art Business and Beyond: Navigating the Business of Art from an African Viewpoint’, reflects its ambition to go into actionable solutions for the industry’s most pressing challenges.
“The event’s agenda is packed with workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that focus on fostering innovation and sustainability,” Alaibe said.
“Panels will examine career longevity in the arts, with discussions on roles in museums, galleries, and cultural centers, offering insights into building lasting careers.
“A session on Pre-colonial Nigerian Art will explore the enduring legacy of iconic art forms like Nok sculptures and Benin bronzes, connecting these traditional works to contemporary practices.
“Another panel, Art Meets Government, will tackle how to secure public funding and embed the arts into national development plans, while Financing the Arts will present innovative strategies for overcoming financial challenges, ranging from corporate sponsorships and philanthropic support to international grants.
“At the event, emerging artists will connect with seasoned professionals, while gallery owners, curators, and policymakers can exchange ideas and insights. This emphasis on dialogue underscores the belief that long-term progress requires collective action.
“One of the event’s key initiatives will be making the case for stronger public funding, with stakeholders working to spotlight success stories and presenting data that positions the arts as not just a cultural priority but also an economic force,” she added.
By championing sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, the WO’AMA Business Conference seeks to reshape how African art is perceived, supported, and developed, both locally and on the global stage. As the world’s attention increasingly turns toward African art, this conference positions itself as a vital catalyst for the industry’s growth.
However, the true measure of success will lie in what happens beyond December 3. The ideas, partnerships, and policies generated at WO’AMA will determine whether the African art industry can move toward a future that balances heritage with innovation, creativity with sustainability, and culture with commerce. With its bold vision and emphasis on action, the WO’AMA Business Conference represents a critical step toward a thriving African art ecosystem—one that uplifts the communities it originates from while standing tall on the global stage.
