Artists vow to resist evacuation from National Theatre

 

Protest

Lagos, May 3, 2013 The Lagos State Chapter of Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA) on Friday protested over the proposed evacuation of its members from National Theatre premises.

The protest was held in the Artists Village at the premises of the National theatre in Lagos.

Over 100 artists came out to protest the plans to evacuate them from the National Theatre building.

The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions like “Government should not deny us our right”, “Artists Village is an historic centre”.

Others are “We are going nowhere, “We will fight for our right to the last” and  “Even though the government provided alternative space, we are not moving”.

Mr Dotun Alabi, the Chairman, the Lagos State Chapter of SNA, said that Artists Village was the first community of artists in Nigeria and indeed in West Africa.

He said that the Artists Village had historical background of where the world famous artists of today were groomed.

``We are going to fight it with our last breath to ensure that they will not evacuate us from the premises of the National Theatre.

``The Artists village is the most exciting development in the culture sector in Nigeria in the last 50years.

“It is also the finest example anywhere in the world of the ``arms length`` principle that government applied to the Arts and Culture, `` Alabi said.

Mr Tope Babayemi, the Manager of Artists Village, urged the Minister of Tourism to upgrade facilities at the centre and also improve on the structures, rather than evacuate them from the area.

He described the Artists Village as the hub for all Nigeria Artists where producers, art writers, musical artists, dancers were being groomed.

``National Theatre is incomplete without the Artists Village because we add more value to the centre and also have the same aim at promoting Nigeria art and culture together.”

Mr Olaku Abiodun, a visual artist, advised government to involve experts in managing the Artists Village and improve it to international standard.

``The government has a verse land within the National Theatre premises to improve on facility, rather than to evacuate people from its environment, `` he said.

He urged the Federal Government to involve stakeholders in the industry in their policy making before taking any action and also carry artists along in their future development plans.  

SPAN graduates first set of dance and music students, seeks support for Nigerian youths

Nigerian youths need extra encouragement in the arts world to achieve greatness, according to Mrs. Sarah Boulos, founder, Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN). Speaking at the 1st Dance and Music Academy Graduation ceremony of SPAN in Lagos, she said SPAN was here to educate and promote Nigerian youths in what they wanted to do in arts world and that they needed to be encouraged to succeed in the industry. According to her, “we have created opportunities and enabling environment for them and also make sure that they dialogue, develop and overcome limitations through the arts.” She said it was also a healing and transformation tool to get where they needed to be, adding that, “we are defined by what we do than who we are in the present society”. The president emphasized that “it is why we motivate, encourage, reinforce, recognize, appreciate nurture and engaged youths and others to further their talents in learning their acts.” She noted that when people, especially youths were encouraged to further their education or drive to excel in their heroic journey to what they want to do, the country would benefit. ``We will see loyalty, integrity and dedication; we will see transformation in our nation,” she said. According to her, SPAN would always give and encourage the richness and diversity of Nigerian’s culture and tradition which will forever be nurtured, preserved and showcased for all to see and experience. She stressed that the academy would be a hub for creativity where ``our community not only find a place to escape boredom, appreciate the craft, be inspired and be educated, also value it. ``Our hope is to challenge the mindset of youths and others, to be empowered to serve our nation and affect our environment, and provide a promising future for the generation to come.” While 15 students indicated interest in the training in the Academy For Music And Dance Act, only nine was able to scale through. Certificates were awarded to them and two people were given scholarships to further their dance act in France. SPAN was a registered non-governmental organization founded in 2004. Its aim is to set a world standard performing arts education in Nigeria. It offers classes in professional stage acting, music and dance. It seeks to provide the much needed opportunity for the talented and gifted persons, especially the children and youths, to express themselves through the arts.

THE GREAT PROPOSAL

 

The great proposal 2013 Peter and Lola

Good luck girl.