The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), a space for critical conversations and reflection, is a collection repository, a place for the preservation and conservation of the past, and an institute that helps to think about the future.
Governor Obaseki disclosed this in a statement on Monday, November 4 when he led the former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and other dignitaries and stakeholders to the official unveiling and preview of MOWAA Institute and Campus, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Nestled in the center of Benin City, the Institute is an intellectual and cultural monument for the region, putting MOWAA at the forefront of current African museum practice.
Obaseki added that the investment in the state’s creative arts and culture sectors over the last eight years has transformed the state into a centre of excellence for the creative arts, repositioning the state as Africa’s arts, culture, and tourism hub.
While addressing the diplomatic community, representatives of international museums and other stakeholders at the unveiling and preview of the MOWAA Campus, Obaseki asserted that the project which is part of the State’s cultural district, holds immense employment and investment potential for the State and will be a key driver of tourism and economic growth.
Emphasising the importance of the unveiling of MOWAA, Obaseki stated that the Edo culture and history are its biggest advantages in the State.
Notably, the single-story MOWAA Institute building provides approximately 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet) of highly sustainable interior space for state-of-the-art facilities for archaeological research, conservation, and public programs.
The building features an atrium exhibition gallery with views into the collection study area, a 100-seat auditorium, conference rooms, conservation laboratories, a library, and an outdoor amphitheater. Set within the ancient moats of the Benin Kingdom, the rammed-earth construction links the building to the West African heritage that will be honored by MOWAA throughout the Campus. The building also serves as a model for the care and preservation of the many other mud-wall structures in Benin City and meets global sustainability standards.
The MOWAA Institute building is designed by Adjaye Associates, with the Lagos-based firm of MOE+ responsible for construction supervision.
The preview event provided an in-depth look into MOWAA’s mission. Guests participated in discussions, workshops, and performances, all aimed at sparking critical conversations about the future of museum practices in West Africa.
Prominent thought leaders in attendance were Prof. Chika Okeke-Agulu, Robert Schirmer (Professors of Art & Archaeology and African American Studies at Princeton University respectively), Prof. Shadreck Chirikure (Edward Hall Professor of Archaeological Science and Director of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art at Oxford University) and Patrick Oronsaye, a well-respected Member of Ekaiwe Royal and the grandson of Oba Eweka, as well as other distinguished intellectuals and cultural practitioners.
Discussion topics ranged from redefining the concept of a West African museum in the modern age to the role of arts organizations in urban transformation, the potential of archaeology to challenge misconceptions about Africa’s past, and the ethics of cultural restitution.
With an emphasis on African-led scholarship and the development of practical, marketable skills, MOWAA plans to provide residency programs for artists and curators, student fellowships, and community-driven events.
MOWAA’s current donors and partners include the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the German Foreign Office, the US-based Mellon Foundation, other corporate leaders, international artists, and local cultural practitioners.
In collaboration with NCMM, the British Museum, and the University of Cambridge, MOWAA has already conducted “Discovery Days” for the public—events that included simulated archaeological digs and creative workshops.
Going forward, the Institute will host programs through its Materials Research and Center for Field Archaeology, furthering its commitment to community engagement.
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.
Ore Disu, MOWAA Institute’s Director, emphasized MOWAA’s commitment to fostering practical skills that meet the unique needs of Africa’s tropical climate, adding, “If we truly want to support other museums and collections, we need to get the fundamentals right.
“Our focus is on developing professionals with skills beyond pure research while expanding African-led scholarship.”
Professor Shadreck Chirikure described MOWAA as, “Not an everyday museum: it is an art gallery, a collections repository, a center for research, and a platform for bringing artists and communities together to co-curate and co-create heritage.
“The MOWAA Institute will train a new generation of African researchers on home soil, using the best standards.”
Meanwhile, during a recent press conference in Benin City, MOWAA Institute outlined its ambitious vision for creating a sustainable ecosystem dedicated to heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary art across West Africa.
The organization aims to go beyond the traditional concept of a museum by becoming a dynamic space that fosters the African creative industry, empowering artists and cultural professionals with practical skills, exposure, and resources.
Ore Disu emphasised the forward-looking approach, noting, “When we hear ‘museum,’ we think of objects in boxes from hundreds or thousands of years ago. But MOWAA’s goal is to establish a center for knowledge, one that allows us to research, share, and gain authority over our own stories.”
MOWAA’s mission extends beyond preserving history to creating a vibrant platform where Africans across the continent can connect with their heritage in a contemporary setting.
“Our aim is to create a space where African culture shines in a new light, making it not only relevant but also enjoyable for modern audiences.” Ore Disu added.
Mr. Osaheni Akpata, External Relations and Project Lead shared his journey during the conference, describing his initial challenges as a creative with limited support, which inspired him to build a supportive platform for others noting that MOWAA’s vision resonates deeply with him.
“My new dream was to support other creatives, and finally, there’s an organization not owned by the government that can support creatives in West Africa and ensure they don’t suffer like I did,” he said.
Established in 2020, MOWAA was formed as an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to education, learning and skills development aimed at the preservation of heritage, the expansion of knowledge, and the celebration of West African arts and culture.
Through ongoing partnerships, MOWAA offers programs and resources that foster deeper connections between contemporary art and culture and the rich heritage of West Africa while creating a centre of excellence for African and diaspora artists and scholars.
The MOWAA Institute and its Creative Campus in the historic heart of Benin City comprise multiple buildings and public spaces for research and education, display, performance, interaction, and the enhancement of arts and culture tourism, designed through the collaboration of local and international architects.
The MOWAA Campus is an ecosystem to nurture, inspire, and showcase creatives and heritage professionals, building connections between ancient artistic traditions and contemporary creative practices. It is a place to research and understand the past and empower and celebrate the next generation of culture makers.
With the opening of the MOWAA Institute, the organization is well-positioned to inspire a new era for West African Art and Heritage, empowering future generations of culture makers across the continent and beyond.
