A NIGHT OF ART, CELEBRATION AND CONNECTION: SARTCOL’S BOARD MEMBERS CONNECT

The Society for Art Collection (Sartcol) recently hosted an exclusive evening that seamlessly blended art, celebration and community. The event, aptly titled Board Members Connect, was held at the elegant residence of Nero Asibelua, a distinguished board member of the Society for Art Collection and chairman of Winestitute Nigeria Limited and founder Nero Asibelua Foundation. This intimate gathering brought together Sartcol board members and a select group of guests for a night that was as enriching as it was celebratory.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the event carried a dual significance, serving not only as a platform to deepen connections within the Sartcol community but also as a meaningful occasion to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women, both within the society and around the world. The evening unfolded in an atmosphere of warmth, elegance and a shared appreciation for the arts.

This event marked the inaugural edition of Board Members Connect, a new initiative by the Society that is already poised to become a cherished tradition within Sartcol. With an intimate guest list of just 25 attendees, the gathering maintained an exclusive ambiance, fostering meaningful dialogue and deeper connections among members. Guests were treated to a private viewing of Nero Asibelua’s remarkable art collection, offering a rare insight into the personal aesthetic and curatorial sensibility of one of Sartcol’s own.

Beyond the visual allure, the evening was enriched by a thoughtfully curated experience of fine dining, music and wine. Nero Asibelua graciously hosted guests with an exquisite selection of gourmet cuisine, complemented by Noble Wine, an exotic brand that added a touch of luxury to the occasion. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between sophistication and ease, creating an ideal atmosphere for meaningful conversation and celebration.

The event also provided an opportunity to acknowledge and warmly welcome a new member to the board. Sartcol officially introduced Ifeyinwa Ann Momah as the newest addition, celebrating her induction into the society with genuine enthusiasm. In her remarks, Momah reflected on the evening as a “great experience,” highlighting how such gatherings offer meaningful insight into the society’s core values and strong sense of community.

The society also seized the moment to commend two of its highly respected board members for their recent career accomplishments. Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, was recognised for his appointment as Chairman of the Board and Independent Non-Executive Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc. In the same vein, Adedotun Sulaiman, MFR, was celebrated for his new position as Chairman of the Advisory Board at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. These acknowledgments added a layer of prestige to the evening, highlighting the calibre of leadership within Sartcol’s ranks.

The impact of Board Members Connect extended beyond the evening itself. It fostered a stronger sense of unity among board members and offered a rare chance to engage with one another outside the formalities of boardroom meetings. For many, it was an opportunity to see a different side of Asibelua, not just as a leader, but as a passionate art collector and gracious host.

Media coverage of the event further amplified Sartcol’s presence on the global stage, reinforcing its commitment to cultivating a vibrant and connected community of art collectors. The success of the evening reaffirmed the society’s mission and set a high standard for future gatherings.

In a world where digital interactions often replace face-to-face connections, Board Members Connect stood out as a reminder of the power of personal engagement. It was a night that celebrated not only art and achievement but also the enduring value of community.

By Yacoub Adeleke