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By Steve Agbota
The Federal Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, and former Federal Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, would serve as special guests of honour and chairman respectively, at this year’s edition of African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE).
The event opens on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos with the theme, “The Convergence-Maritime Meets ICT.”
UK Government Country Lead & Programme Adviser and Global Digital Access Programme in Nigeria, Mr. Idongesit Udoh would be guest speaker, focusing on the topic: “ICT Disruptions for the Sustainability of the Blue Economy,” which would be followed by panel discussion by industry experts. The exhibition would be curated by Seidougha Linus Eyimiegha, a seasoned artist and curator.
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 has collated over the years.
Speaking on the event, the Programme Director, Ezinne Azunna, said the art exhibition will feature five remarkable artists and will formally open at 1pm with private viewing for special guests.
Some of the highlights of the exhibition include “a Participatory/Interactive Art” and “the Blue Economy in Art for Schools and Children.”
According to Azunna, the agenda, policies and causes of the Blue Economy- the core of international trade and support system for human existence, can be pushed into the consciousness of the society through Art hence, AMAE was conceptualised in 2022 to tell the story 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 $296billion 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.”
