The Chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos chapter, Dotun Alabi has urged the Federal Government to establish a world standard museum in the country for display of different art works.
Alabi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that “it is a shame that a country like Nigeria is lacking world standard museum that can accommodate art works”.
“We need a very large and a very spacious edifice that can accommodate a large number of art works of various artists that people can visit and view.
“If we have a good functioning gallery, people will pay stipends to go in and view art works,” he said.
The artist noted that it would be another source of revenue for earning and maintaining the gallery, as well as artworks displayed in the gallery.
According to Alabi, there is no gallery or museum in Abuja, and that the presence of either one of them will improve the recreational habit of the people.
“The one in Lagos is not functioning, so you ask, where does art stand in this country?
“We do not have proper storage of our artifacts and artworks. Museums are a sorry sight because most of the works there are not properly maintained,” he said.
Alabi called on the present administration to help address the issue.
NAN reports that Alabi, a 1997 diploma holder from Yaba College of Technology, practiced as a full-time artis, until he was employed as a lecturer of arts at the Federal College of Education, Akoka Lagos.