In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, a new art society is emerging, promising to revolutionize the way art is experienced and exchanged. The brainchild of Ugoma Chinelo Ebilah, an economist-turned-curator, Mbari Kola is not just another art space; it's a private art society and members' club that aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and support for artists. But what makes this venture truly fascinating is the way it navigates the delicate balance between commercial interests and social responsibility, all while celebrating the rich tapestry of pan-African art and culture.
A Private Sanctuary for Art Enthusiasts
Mbari Kola, located in the affluent Ikoyi district, is a haven for art lovers and enthusiasts. The 800 sq. m space, spread over two floors, boasts a gallery, shop, and garden open to the public, along with exclusive amenities for members. The venue will host a diverse range of events, from exhibitions and residencies to film screenings, concerts, performances, and readings, all centered around pan-African art and culture. This is not merely a gallery; it's a community hub where artists and art consumers can connect and engage in meaningful conversations.
Ebilah's motivation behind Mbari Kola is deeply personal. She wants to create a space where her commercial endeavors, exemplified by Bloom Art Lagos, can coexist with her social mission. By separating her commercial ventures from her social initiatives, she aims to foster a more responsible and thoughtful relationship between artists and art consumers. This separation, she believes, will encourage a deeper engagement with art and promote a more sustainable art ecosystem.
A Modern Take on a Historical Concept
Mbari Kola draws inspiration from the Mbari artists' and writers' clubs that flourished across Africa in the 1960s. The first such club was established in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1961, and it played a pivotal role in fostering intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue. Ebilah's modern iteration aims to replicate this spirit, creating a platform for serious exchange across disciplines. However, the challenge lies in maintaining this intellectual substance in the face of commercial pressures.
Oliver Enwonwu, a Nigerian artist and curator, highlights the importance of such environments for Lagos. He argues that while the city already has a vibrant commercial art scene, it needs more spaces where reflection, argument, and long-form cultural conversations can occur, free from the immediate pressures of the market. Mbari Kola, with its focus on pan-African art and culture, aims to fill this void, providing a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations.
A Community-Driven Endeavor
Mbari Kola is not just a private club; it's a community-driven endeavor. Part-funded by Ebilah, the club has also been crowdfunded through founding patrons and members, currently numbering around 50 from Nigeria and beyond. Ebilah's vision is to attract passionate individuals who are committed to supporting the arts. She believes that this community of like-minded individuals will be instrumental in driving the club's success and ensuring its long-term viability.
The soft launch for founding members is scheduled for Africa Day (25 May), an annual celebration of the African Union's formation in 1963. This timing is symbolic, as it aligns with the club's mission to promote pan-African art and culture. The second and third phases will follow after the summer and during Lagos Art Week, which coincides with the ART X Lagos art fair (5-8 November).
A New Era for Nigerian Art
Mbari Kola represents a new era for Nigerian art, one where private initiatives play a pivotal role in supporting the country's burgeoning artist community. By providing a platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue and community engagement, the club aims to foster a more vibrant and sustainable art ecosystem. However, the success of Mbari Kola will depend on its ability to create a serious exchange across disciplines and maintain a balance between commercial interests and social responsibility.
In my opinion, Mbari Kola has the potential to become a beacon of cultural exchange and community engagement in Lagos. It represents a new model for art institutions, one that combines commercial viability with social responsibility. As the club evolves, it will be fascinating to see how it shapes the future of Nigerian art and influences the broader African art scene. The impact of Mbari Kola will depend on its ability to create a serious exchange across disciplines and maintain a balance between commercial interests and social responsibility, making it a truly innovative and inspiring venture.
