By NewsBits
There was an excitement in Enugu the Enugu State capital, on Sunday, as a new Arts Gallery-Kachi James Gallery- intended to provide a platform for budding artists to showcase their works was unveiled in the metropolis.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Gallery the Founder, Kachi Aghasili said that the Gallery is also intended to showcase different cultural heritages. Aghasili who said that she had always nursed the ambition to own a gallery over a decade, said that her choice of Enugu as a destination was informed by the fact that the state has a great mixture of arts and history to back it up.
“We want to give emerging artists an opportunity to be seen, heard and discovered,” she said.adding that most of the Galleries that already exist are meant for the big names in the industry, with little focusing on those who are still coming up.
Aghasili said her love for arts and intellectual property motivated her to establish the gallery. According to the Founder, who doubles as a lawyer in the United States of America, said she set up the gallery to present a ground where “we can have emerging artists as well as popular artists”.
In her address, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Ugochi Madueke said that the current administration of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu State remains committed to boosting the tourism sector in the state and that is why it gave full support for the establishment of the Kachi James Art Gallery.
“We will establish more galleries because they will boost tourism and the economy by attracting visitors from different parts of the country and also boost the state’s economy,” she said adding they will also serve as “educational tools for the people and a way of preserving our Cultural heritage.”
She noted that the government was doing even more in the tourism sector as plans were underway to have a film villa and a museum where different art works will be displayed.
Also speaking, a member representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Ngwu highlighted the private sector’s contribution to the development of arts in Nigeria.
Senator Ngwu, who spoke at the event, said the nation had achieved economic growth in various arts through the enormous contributions of the private sector.
“I’m very happy with what I have seen today. Kachi James just showed the substance she’s made of by bringing this art gallery to Enugu. It’s a private initiative and I commend it completely. This is what the Igbo call ‘aku ruo ulo’. This shows that when you have a part of your investment to where you come from, it shows you have your heart where you come from.
“I’m hoping that this gallery is going to motivate more youths, who have the talents for arts but lack the exposure such as this. With the number of arts enthusiasts that have trooped into this place to have a look at the colourful paintings, it gives the motivation that they can actually make a living from painting.
“I commend Kachi James for this initiative, which is a platform to motivate young artists. It’s good to follow your dream and live it in all you do”, he said.
The Lawmaker, who expressed happiness with the contributions of the private sector like Kachi James, said with the effort of the state government, and “the contributions of some of us in the legislature, there will be a new paradigm shift for arts in Enugu and South-East”.
Also in her speech, the Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Enugu State, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said that she is poised to build a museum where arts works would be showcased.
Commending the Founder of Kachi James Arts Gallery, Miss Kachi James for the initiative to set up an art gallery, Madueke said that the Enugu State Government is doing all it could to promote arts and culture.
“This is a welcome development. This will bring people into Enugu. We shall encourage our youths to emulate what Kachi has done and tap into it and let’s all us of us work to make Enugu a destination”.
The event featured arts exhibitions, auctions, live art performances, dance presentations, sip, and paint. Senator hails private sector contribution to growth of arts.
The high point was cutting of the tape to unveil the gallery by Senator Ngwu. He expressed optimism that it would motivate youths who have interest in arts to know where to exhibit their pieces of works.
