Benin, Nigeria – The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) was opened on Tuesday at a preview opening ceremony following the inauguration of the first purpose- built building in Benin by Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo.
The Institute is an intellectual and cultural monument for the region, putting MOWAA at the forefront of current African museum practice.
Speaking at the preview ceremony, Ore Disu, Director of MOWAA, said without robust records and monuments, it would be difficult to visualise what African societies built, invented and achieved.
“When I took up my role at MOWAA, it was with a strong sense that we should create something that gives Black and African people a sense of their place in the world.
“The preview opening two-day event which began on November 4, is aimed at sparking critical conversations about the future of museum practice in West Africa.
“With a key focus on research and education, MOWAA has the goal of empowering future generations of cultural stewards by developing African leadership in heritage studies and practices.
“Going forward, there will be residency programmes for artists and curators, student fellowships and more,” Disu said.
According to Disu, there will also be programmes to foster wider learning and public engagement that will be cultivated under the Institute’s Materials Research and Centre for Field Archaeology.
Disu noted that the preview opening was an opportunity to recognise the accomplishments of people who have played critical roles in bringing MOWAA’s vision to life.
