A new chapter in African art history unfolded in London this week with the opening of Nigerian Modernism, a landmark exhibition at Tate Modern that celebrates Nigeria’s profound contribution to global modern art. The exhibition, which runs from October 2025 to May 2026, is made possible through a partnership between Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group.

Bringing together 50 artists and 250 works, Nigerian Modernism traces the evolution of Nigeria’s modern art movement from the 1940s to the 1980s, spanning the late colonial era through independence. The exhibition showcases paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and poetry that have shaped international perceptions of African creativity and identity.

Among the highlights are seven wooden sculptures by Ben Enwonwu, originally commissioned in 1960 for the Daily Mirror in London and now part of the Access Holdings Art Collection. Once symbols of a newly independent nation asserting its identity, the sculptures return to the UK as emblems of cultural heritage and reclamation, owned, curated, and championed by Nigerians.

“This collaboration is a statement of confidence in Africa’s creative excellence,” said Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group. “We see culture as both legacy and opportunity — a way to strengthen our identity, empower future generations, and place African narratives at the heart of global conversations.”

For Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer at Access Holdings, the moment was deeply personal.

“Seeing our Nigerian art on the walls of Tate Modern filled me with indescribable pride. It felt like home had travelled — like Nigeria itself was being celebrated in the heart of London,” he said.

Beyond the exhibition, both Access Holdings and Coronation Group are extending their cultural impact through educational programming and youth engagement initiatives. The companies sponsored a student tour at Tate Modern, enabling young Africans in the UK to engage directly with their country’s artistic heritage while fostering creative exchange and learning.

Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Coronation Group, described the event as historic.

“The opening of Nigerian Modernism was the largest in Tate’s 25-year history. That signals the scale and significance of our partnership. We are witnessing a renaissance in African art — a movement restoring dignity and belonging for a generation that must carry our story forward.”

Through initiatives like this, Access Holdings and Coronation Group continue to bridge modern finance and modern art, reinforcing Africa’s growing influence in global cultural spaces.

With Nigerian Modernism, Nigeria is not only reclaiming its artistic legacy but also shaping the narrative of contemporary Africa, one defined by creativity, confidence, and cultural pride.

_{Story Extract Credit APO Group on behalf of Access Holdings PLC.}