Bisina SomtoThe United States Mission to Nigeria has taken a significant stride in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage through the initiation of the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project, aptly named “Sustaining a Partnership in Conservation and Preservation.”
In a ground-breaking collaboration between the National Museum, Lagos, and the prestigious Yale University Art Gallery, this endeavour seeks to bolster the preservation of Nigeria’s historical artifacts and cultural treasures, marking an essential chapter in the protection and promotion of Nigeria’s diverse cultural legacy.
This multifaceted project primarily involved the Yale University Art Gallery conducting two pivotal conservation training workshops, specifically tailored for conservators at the National Museum Lagos and staff from Yaba College of Technology Lagos. These workshops were meticulously designed to augment the preservation of Nigeria’s historic artifacts through advanced storage, documentation, and treatment techniques.
The rigorous training sessions were orchestrated by renowned conservators from the Yale University Art Gallery and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, rendering an invaluable exchange of expertise and knowledge.
Furthermore, the project extended its reach by providing additional training opportunities for several Nigerian museum conservators in the United States, taking place at the prestigious Yale University Art Gallery.
This international collaboration is pivotal in advancing conservation practices and nurturing an environment where these valuable skills are shared and cultivated, transcending geographical boundaries and strengthening bonds between the two nations.
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To commemorate the successful completion of this project, an exhibition was held in Lagos, graced by the presence of U.S. Consul General Will Stevens, who reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to protect and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
He remarked, “I am looking forward to many more opportunities like this to strengthen our combined efforts in the future,” underscoring the enduring nature of this vital partnership.
Julie McKay, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, emphasized that this project significantly enhanced the cultural preservation partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria. It offered crucial support for workshops in conservation techniques, benefitting both the National Commission for Museum and Monuments in Nigeria and American museum professionals.
McKay also highlighted the Cultural Property Agreement signed in January 2022, which prohibits the import of Nigeria’s antiquities into the United States, ensuring their protection and preservation.
Professor Abba Issa Tijani, the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, articulated the importance of AFCP projects within Nigerian museums.
He emphasized that the project facilitated a two-way exchange between Nigerian and American wood conservators, fostering a dynamic flow of knowledge and expertise.
James Green, Curator of African Art at the Yale University Gallery of Art, emphasized that the project had led to the exchange of ground-breaking ideas between Nigerian conservators and their American counterparts regarding advanced conservation techniques.
He stated, “The outcomes of this project, which included breakthroughs in sustainable conservation practices, wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.”
In the past decade, the United States has been an unwavering partner to the Nigerian government and state institutions. It has provided substantial funding exceeding one million dollars for projects aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s capacity in managing its invaluable cultural heritage.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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