Empowering Nigerian Artists: Key Takeaways from Sartcol and Kenna Partners’ Workshop on IP, AI and Art Business

The Society for Art Collection, co-founded by Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, collaborates with the Yemisi Shyllon Museum, Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) and Kenna Partners, a leading Nigerian law firm, to empower Nigerian artists by providing legal and contractual insights. The workshop titled “Empowering Artists: Navigating Legal and Contractual Issues in the Arts World,” organized by these entities, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between art and law. The event sparked discussions on various topics, including copyright, digital art, AI in the art world and the business of art.

Okechukwu Ekweanya, partners at Kenna and Ifunanya Ikwueto demonstrated their expertise in intellectual property law, emphasizing the challenges artists face when unaware of their rights and the importance of intellectual property and copyright. They addressed the critical need for awareness and enforcement of art-specific agreements. Without these, artists could be at a disadvantage, limiting the creative sector’s potential to significantly contribute to the economy.

Professor Fabian Ajogwu, senior partner at Kenna Partners, elaborated on these discussions by emphasizing the importance of perception and value. He provided insights on how individual artists can present themselves and their works to gain the right acceptance and add value to the profession. He distinguished between the practice and business of art, noting, “One could make you successful, one could leave you in the memories. William Shakespeare did not enjoy the fruits of his labour; his wealth came many years after he was long gone.” He highlighted that many artists, including Odinigwe Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu, a prolific and well-respected artist and Member of the Order of the British Empire, gained greater recognition posthumously.

He stressed the importance of artists being aware of their rights, referencing a recent incident where the statue of Nnamdi Azikiwe in Onitsha, created by Ben Enwonwu, was defaced. He emphasized that artists must protect their creative content. Recalling a past inquiry, he shared, “Years ago, I asked if I could alter a piece of art I bought, changing red strokes to black. The answer was a resounding no.” This highlighted the importance of artists setting clear terms for their work to avoid misunderstandings. He advised artists to know their rights: “In the business of art, it is vital to know your rights to make informed decisions and set clear terms in your dealings and professional practice.”

He also discussed the concept of beauty, stating, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder in a particular place. The beholder could be in London, Lagos, or Benin City. Do you agree that the concept of beauty will vary based on how much they are willing to pay for it?” He further elaborated, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder in a specific place, at a specific time, and in a specific medium or platform. For instance, you could be reselling the rights for the digital version of your art.”

Professor Ajogwu shared an inspiring story about the challenges faced while publishing “CREATING ART: Authenticity and Ownership in the Visual Arts,” co-authored with Dr. Jess Castellote. The book, featuring George Edozie’s artwork “The Head of a Negro Boy,” was rejected by Amazon four times due to the title’s contemporary interpretation. After changing the artwork and title, the book was finally accepted. This experience underscores the importance of perseverance, as he emphasized, “Never give up.” He highlighted the need for resilience, adaptability and understanding cultural sensitivities, while also recognizing the dynamic nature of beauty.

In conclusion, he reiterated the points made by the previous facilitators, emphasizing the importance of technology and the need for artists to stay updated with the latest developments in their field. This includes the dynamic world of AI, with its innovations and challenges impacting both law practice and art. He encouraged artists not to ignore or overlook these advancements: “Just as AI is transforming my law practice, it is also entering your world as artists. Whether you embrace or reject it, AI will thrive, presenting both opportunities and threats. Ultimately, success will come to those who recognize these changes, seek advice, listen, and learn from their successful peers.” He praised the members of the Guild, describing them as “the finest minds that document our culture, expressing who we are, our history, our trajectory, our journey.” He reflected on the lasting impact of their contributions, asking, “What will we remember of this age?”

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum, the venue for this event, enriched the discussion with its impressive art collections and the ongoing exhibition “Collecting Now: Perspectives on Contemporary Art Collecting in Nigeria.” These collections, belonging to six private collectors, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Aisha & Gbenga Oyebode, Kola Aina, Dotun Sulaiman, Niyi Adenubi, and Eyamba Dafinone, included works by some of the artists in attendance.

The museum provided the perfect atmosphere and environment for such a discussion. Artists and facilitators had the opportunity to tour the museum, which further stimulated conversations on the workshop’s topic. The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates and plaques, followed by a vote of thanks from George Edozie, the president of the Association.

By Yacoub Adeleke