Project Abstract

<p> The development of art education in Nigeria has been a<br>reflection of socio-cultural and political practices; and<br>social and economic changes from traditional times through<br>the colonial era to the contemporary period. Despite the<br>efforts of the artists and art educators, there is<br>inadequate literature on them to enlighten and educate<br>readers about their contributions. Also, there has been no<br>comprehensive study of these artists and art educators, so<br>they remain anonymous in their professional obligations.<br>The specific objectives of the study were to determine<br>the contributions of individuals to art administration, art<br>education, professional practice in art, publications in<br>art, and public awareness of art; identify those who have<br>won special awards/honours; and determine the developmental<br>1evel of art in Nigeria.<br>A combination of descriptive and historical research<br>methods were used and the two types of instruments used were<br>a questionnaire and an interview guide. Seven selected<br>artists and art educators (Wangboje, Fasuyi, Okeke, Grille,<br>Akolo, Ekeada and Ojo) were sampled, while secondary<br>materials were obtained from books, journal articles,<br>exhibition catalogues files among others.<br>The major findings showed that<br>i. they have made significant contributions to art<br>administration in the country;<br>ii. they have played a pioneering role in the<br>teaching of art and art education at various<br>levels of education;<br>iii. they have contributed to professional practice in<br>art through the holding of exhibitions, the<br>organization and participation in art workshops<br>and conferences;<br>iv. they own private galleries and art training<br>workshops;<br>v. they have won National and International<br>awards/honours; and<br>vi i i<br>vi. they have contributed to public awareness in art<br>through publications, commissions, and community<br>services among others.<br>It was concluded that although the colonization of<br>Nigeria and the early efforts of the missionaries saw to it<br>that “educated” Nigerians had no regards for their art and<br>culture, the artists and art educators have made an impact.<br>This has happened in an environment where the educational<br>system has not made an overt effort at cultivating cultural<br>awareness in the elites as well as making them consumers of<br>their own art. <br></p>

Project Overview