Arts is Heartbeat of Every Nation – Esimone

By Ifeanyi Ndukwe

The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (NAU), Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, has called on art lovers, collectors, and stakeholders to collaborate with artists in the state to create an enabling environment for the appreciation of arts.

The scholar made the clarion call after honouring the invitation for an arts exhibition at the Awka Museum Foundation. The exhibition which had the theme, “Clean Slate”, is geared towards creating awareness of sculptural artists and their works in the industry, was slated to last from 17th to 22nd December, 2022.

Esimone who was represented by the Director, Centre for Arts, Culture and Humanities, Unizik, Prof. Nkechiyere Nwokoye, expressed delight for the programme. He said the essence of arts in society could not be over-emphasized.

‘Arts is the heartbeat of every nation. It helps to beautify and enrich our environment. This exhibition is topnotch and such ideas should be encouraged by everyone,’ he said.

Esimone noted that the issue of waste ravaging Anambra could be easily solved with the help of artists recycling the waste products to turn them into valuable and beautiful artworks.

The academic also called on the public and various stakeholders to see arts as a means to create a clean environment, create employment and engage youths usefully.

‘We have to incorporate the arts and exhibition centres to achieve a full and equipped gallery that will be a source of inspiration and tourist site for visitors and arts lovers alike,’ Esimone stated.