Brief Interview of Dr. Okey Anueyiagu By society for art
1. We are adopting a simplistic approach in using subtle ways to educate the art buying and selling public in the art of collecting and preserving art. Human creativity in all forms, especially in art, is the backbone and the prime driver of social and economic development and growth. The recognition of this essential element of fact, necessitates us nurturing, incubating and fostering the art; be it music, painting, sculpting or drama.
2. My vision for the society is to get as many people as possible from all the segments of our society to be interested in the art and to see it as an instrument or a veritable tool for the development of the human mind and in the use of our cultural norms and values to improve our societies internally and internationally. I believe that the Society will play a greater role in helping our people to see art as essential avenues of increasing our capacity for critical thinking and reasoning. With this, we shall be able to see things from others’ perspectives, appreciation them and resolve problems in the building and sustenance of peaceful and stronger societies.
3. Art collection has come very far in Nigeria. For well over a century, Nigerian art has evolved and received world wide acclaim and recognition. Today modern and contemporary Nigerian art is being revatiously sought for all over the world. From Enweonwu to Akunyili, collecting Nigerian art is the in-thing today. Look also at the attention the various art exhibitions like the Art X and others attract. The explosion is in full swing.
4. The Society For Art Collection under our Board, has mapped out a series of proactive agenda that will essentially promote art collection and preservation. Some of these are:
A. To intervene in the damaged image of the National Museum and bring it up to a level of a decent place for people to go learn about our culture and history.
B. To institute a competition amongst pupils in art-as a means of encouraging our young ones to engage in creative activities.
C. To use the Society through lectures, colloquiums to encourage our people to embrace the art as a means of changing our ways of violent living, and adverse behavioral tendencies.
D. To teach the artists and art patrons how to interact and transact their activities seamlessly.