The 2022 International Arts and Crafts Exhibition (INAC), themed “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World”, was yesterday declared open in Abuja, by the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe.
The 15th edition of the Holding Expo at Abuja Sheraton Hotels & Towers has in attendance no fewer than 25 countries and eight states in Nigeria.
Some of the countries already on the ground include Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Venezuela, Syria, India, Philippines, China, Iran, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Malaysia, Republic of Benin, Sudan, Lebanon, South Korea and Tanzania.
The states in Nigeria that have arrived in Abuja for the annual international event are Lagos, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, FTC, Kaduna and Katsina.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Runsewe said the aim of the exhibition is to better project Nigerian crafts in different parts of the world as our stories are best told by us. It is also to promote cultural exchange programs and improve cross-country collaborations in music, art, drama, etc.
The exhibition, as usual, is expected to include skill acquisition training for the youth, free medical check-up and care, documentary screening of country art, exhibitions of country arts, crafts and culture, among others.
Runsewe said: “This is another opportunity we have to showcase Nigerian crafts to the world and let the world know that Nigeria is a safe place to be. We want Nigerians to know that the creative industry is able to address the problems of Nigerian insecurity by engaging the youth in our income generating trades.”
Exhibition 2022 is held from 18 to 20 August 2022.
