Lagos, Nov. 19, 2023: Mrs Ezinne Azunna, the Programme Director, African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE), says the exhibition will through arts expose the opportunities inherent in the blue economy
Azunna said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
She said the agenda, policies and causes of the Blue Economy- the core of international trade and support system for human existence- could be pushed into the consciousness of the society through art.
Azunna noted that AMAE was conceptualised in 2022 to tell the stories of the industry through art.
“Although marine/maritime art is new in Africa, it has thrived in the western world as a tool for furthering causes and the awareness of opportunities in the industry.
“AMAE is the singular art exhibition in Africa built around the portraiture of activities and causes around the Marine and Blue Economy using aesthetic and semiotic elements.
“The worth of the Blue Economy in Nigeria is estimated to be about $296 billion and to provide opportunity for at least 100 different careers.
“Africa currently generates about $300 billion for the industry, supporting nearly 50 million jobs. These numbers are projected to continue to rise year in, year out,” she said.
Azunna said the art exhibition would feature five remarkable artists and would formally open with private viewing for special guests.
She noted that some of the highlights of the exhibition include ‘a Participatory/Interactive Art’ and ‘the Blue Economy in Art for schools and Children’.
She added that the Federal Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola and former Federal Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, would serve as Special Guest of Honour and Chairman respectively, at this year’s edition of AMAE.
“The event opens on Nov. 24 to 25 at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, with the theme: ‘Convergence – ‘Maritime Meets ICT’.
“The UK Government Country Lead & Programme Adviser and Global Digital Access Programme in Nigeria, Mr Idongesit Udoh, is the Guest Speaker, focusing on the topic: “ICT Disruptions for the Sustainability of the Blue Economy.”
“This will be followed by panel discussion by industry experts. The exhibition will be curated by Seidougha Linus Eyimiegha, a seasoned artist and curator,” she said.
Azunna listed other prominent personalities expected at the event as: Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority; Dr Bashir Jamoh, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency; Dr Sule Abiodun, Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography & Marine Research.
Others are Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service; Mr Charles Ebuebu, Director General, National Broadcasting Commission; Mr Munirudeen Oyebamiji, Managing Director National Inland Waterways Authority and Mr Akutah Ukeyima, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
AMAE is an initiative of Maritime TV Africa, owners of Hazi’s Art.
AMAE’s interest in art arose through marine landscape photography which it had collated over the years.
