Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), with support from Open Society Foundation, yesterday, hosted a culture and heritage programme, where secondary school students showcased their creative productions.
They made presentations on career options and opportunities in the art, culture and tourism sectors.
The cultural event tagged “Heritage Futures” brought together stakeholders from Edo State Ministry of Education, Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism, and other government agencies, academics and practitioners of the art and heritage sector.
Speaking at the event, Director of EMOWAA Pavilion, Ore Disu, noted that open learning has built bridges and forged new connections between artists and conservators, curators and archaeologists, university and secondary schools students.
He said: “I’ve been honoured by the high level of commitment demonstrated in hundreds of volunteer hours. Museums are and should always be people’s institutions.”
Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Arts and Tourism, Iryn Omorogiuwa, said her Ministry is implementing various initiatives aimed at arousing the interest of young people in art, culture and hertiage management.
Earlier, Ibrahim Niang of Open Society Foundation said the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to foster exchange and collaboration between the creative sector, restitution practitioners, activists and the youth.
Speaking on the need for cooperation among schools, Learning Facilitator of the project, John Osawe, said: “Witnessing the positive impact the programme has had on over 520 students across schools in Benin City has been truly heartwarming.
“Our partners have been instrumental to making this programme a success and I am grateful for their unwavering support in ensuring that our rich cultures and traditions are forever ingrained in their minds.”
