AbdulRazaq Has Big Plans for Arts in Kwara

Stories by Vanessa Obioha
In the city of Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State is constructing a magnificent building that will soon become the centre of attraction in the state. Called the Visual Art Centre, the governor’s lofty plans for arts include having a film factory, a Dolby studio and a gallery where the artworks of both famed and up-and-coming artists will be on display.

The governor is acutely aware of the potentials the creative industry, particularly Nollywood and music, have. He expressed concern that as buoyant as Nollywood is, it doesn’t enjoy much prominence in continental and international film festivals as it should.

“We have realized that in Nigeria we have Nollywood and music. There’s much to do. These boys are working from their laptops, mixing music. Music is not easy, but in film production, more is required. Our films are not enjoying as much prominence as they should in film festivals beyond our shores. Because what we’re shooting is videos, not movies. We are not doing cinematography, because we don’t have studios. We cannot do the last mile which is the post-production. Yes, there’s a place to meet in Lagos, Accra, and Johannesburg. Because of capacity and waiting time in these places, we thought of having a film factory here to help not only the locals but from outside Kwara.

“We have a faculty of film in the university here. Let’s link it to build capacity, build soundstages. Take for instance the movie ‘300’, it was shot in a studio. They didn’t shoot anything outside. Big Brother Naija was shot in a studio. Some programmes are shot in the studio. So we are building the studio, and we are bringing Dolby to Kwara to train our people.”

As a predominantly civil service state, AbdulRazaq believes that having a thriving creative economy will change the face of the state. Moreover, some Nollywood thespians like Adebayo Salami hail from the state.
The governor also plans to have an art exhibition once the facility is completed. With a wild lust for art, he has lost count of artworks in his possession but they include works of famed artists like the late Nigerian painter Ben Enwonwu, Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui and Beninese artist Zinkpe.

For the art exhibition, AbdulRazaq is toying with the idea of inviting the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI to the launch. He described the monarch as the number one collector in Africa who also has a lot of Nigerian art in his possession.

Still promoting Nigerian art, the governor hinted at the possibility of having an exchange of art with the UAE.
“We are planning on showcasing Arabic pieces because there is a culture here. And we intend to speak with the ambassador to UAE who is a good friend. The UAE is currently building the Louvre Abu Dhabi and is likely to complete it in five years. They have great experience in Islamic, Arab and global art and they are tapping from the resources of the Louvre in France. So we can do an exchange of art,” he concluded.