The Nike Centre for art and culture owners of Nike art gallery Lekki, Lagos, arguably the biggest gallery in Nigeria with a collection of over 6000 art works as part of its mission of promoting art and culture is set to open the Nike Art village in Abuja.

This was disclosed by the patron of Nike Center for Art and Culture, Mr. Rueben Okundaye during the end of year interactive session with art writers, artists and friends of the gallery in Lagos.

*Nike

In his remarks, Okundaye who thanked all for their support confessed that the year 2012 has been a very eventful year as the centre successfully exhibited many artists. He pointed out that the centre have lined up a lot of activities for next year and disclosed that as part of the vision of the centre to promote artists, empower the rural women and provide training for hundreds of aspiring young performance artists and craftsmen on the practical aspect of art, the centre with branches in Osogbo, Abuja and Ogidi Ijumu is set to establish an art village to be known as Nike Art Village in Abuja.

The art village when completed will comprise of a bigger gallery, a museum, studio, library and hostel that will accommodate many artists and students. All these, he said will enable the centre cater for the teeming young Nigerians who are desirous to know more about art.

Continuing, Okundaye, who is also a culture enthusiast stated that the centre have many laudable plans but the greatest challenge have been in the area of funding but that notwithstanding, the centre will go ahead to establish the art village.

The event which was attended by writers, artists, culture lovers also afforded most of the guest opportunity to  exchange ideas about art in general.