The art scene in Nigeria is a vibrant and dynamic force, driven by passionate individuals who have stepped up to fill the gap left by a lack of government support. Among these visionaries is Ugoma Chinelo Ebilah, an economist-turned-curator, who has made it her mission to foster and nurture the country's artistic community.
Ebilah's latest endeavor, Mbari Kola, is a private art society and members club with a unique vision. Located in a renovated building overlooking the lagoon in Ikoyi, this exclusive space aims to bridge the gap between artists and art enthusiasts, creating an environment where they can connect, collaborate, and inspire each other.
The club's design is an impressive 800 sq. m spread across two floors, offering a range of facilities. While the gallery, shop, and garden are open to the public, members have access to exclusive areas like the private lounge, terrace, library, and multifunctional rooms. Mbari Kola's event calendar is diverse, featuring exhibitions, residencies, film screenings, concerts, performances, and readings, with a special focus on pan-African art and culture.
What makes Mbari Kola truly special is Ebilah's vision to separate her commercial and social charges. By doing so, she aims to create a space where artists and consumers can coexist and influence each other positively. As Ebilah puts it, "The more these two people never lose sight of each other, then the more responsible and thoughtful they can be of each other."
The soft launch for founding members is scheduled for Africa Day, a symbolic date that celebrates the formation of the African Union. This timing is significant, as it underscores the club's pan-African focus and its role in fostering cultural conversations beyond immediate market pressures.
Ebilah's passion for the arts is evident in her funding approach. While she has contributed financially, the rest of the funding has been crowd-sourced through founding patrons and members, a testament to the club's appeal and the support it has garnered. Ebilah's desire for passionate members who are committed to solving the challenges facing the art ecosystem is a refreshing take on exclusivity.
The inspiration behind Mbari Kola is the Mbari artists' and writers' clubs that flourished across Africa in the 1960s. Oliver Enwonwu, a Nigerian artist and curator, believes that the impact of these clubs was profound due to the intellectual exchange they facilitated. He sees Mbari Kola's potential to create a similar impact, providing a space for serious cross-disciplinary conversations.
In my opinion, Mbari Kola represents a unique and exciting development in the Nigerian art scene. It has the potential to become a hub for creative exchange, where ideas can flourish and artists can thrive. The club's focus on intellectual substance and its commitment to supporting the arts make it a promising addition to Lagos' cultural landscape.
As we look forward to Mbari Kola's official launch, I can't help but feel excited about the possibilities it presents. It is a testament to the power of individual initiative and the potential for art to bring people together, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring change.
