Access Holdings, Coronation Group Celebrate Nigerian Modernism’s Cultural Legacy at Tate Modern
Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group hosted an exclusive reception at Tate Modern, London, honouring the lasting legacy of Nigerian Modernism — one of the most significant exhibitions of African art in the gallery’s recent programme.
The Nigerian Modernism exhibition, organised in partnership with Tate Modern from 10 October 2025 to 8 May 2026, showcased nearly 300 works by over 50 artists, spanning five decades of Nigerian artistic innovation. Through painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and works on paper, the exhibition traced the evolution of modern Nigerian art from the 1940s to the post-independence era, offering fresh insights into the political, social, and cultural forces that have shaped African artistic expression.
During its run, the exhibition attracted more than 180,000 visitors. Its reach extended far beyond the gallery walls through international media coverage, digital engagement, educational programmes, and scholarly discourse—connecting hundreds of millions worldwide with the story of Nigerian modern art.
Beyond critical acclaim, Nigerian Modernism succeeded in democratising access to African art, creating opportunities for young people and members of the African diaspora to engage directly with Africa’s creativity, history, and artistic legacy at one of the world’s leading cultural institutions.
The evening brought together prominent figures from business, culture, diplomacy, academia, and the arts, recognising the exhibition’s international impact and cultural significance.
In his remarks, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, reflected on what he described as one of the exhibition’s most enduring achievements: its influence on young people.
*”One of the aspects of this exhibition that stands out most for me is the opportunity we created for nearly 2,800 students, many of them of African heritage, to experience Tate Modern. While their encounters with the artworks could not be formally documented, the feedback we received spoke volumes. For many of these young people, the exhibition inspired a deeper appreciation of their heritage, reinforcing their sense of identity and pride in their African roots.”*
Aig-Imoukhuede also emphasised the broader diplomatic importance of the exhibition:
*”I have long believed that great nations are built at the intersection of financial, knowledge and cultural capital. Of these, cultural capital is often the force that brings everything else together. We saw a powerful example of that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose to include a private tour of Nigerian Modernism during his historic visit to London, alongside the thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora who came out to welcome him. It was a remarkable moment that demonstrated the unique role culture can play in strengthening national identity, global engagement and diplomacy.”*
Karin Hinsbo, Interim Director of Tate Modern, highlighted the significance of the exhibition and the strength of the partnership that made it possible:
*”Nigerian Modernism captivated hundreds of thousands of visitors. It was a story that had never been told in a UK gallery — an international network of 50 artists across 50 years, blending African and European traditions to forge a powerful artistic legacy through 250 extraordinary works of painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and works on paper. None of this would have been possible without the partnership, generosity, and commitment of Access Holdings and Coronation Group.”*
The exhibition was praised for challenging traditional art historical narratives by positioning Nigerian artists firmly within the global story of twentieth-century modernism. It also featured extensive public programming, including lectures, tours, and educational initiatives designed to deepen engagement with African art and identity.
A highlight of the exhibition was the display of seven historic wooden sculptures by Ben Enwonwu, originally commissioned in 1960 for the Daily Mirror in London and now part of the Access Holdings Art Collection. This underscored the importance of cultural stewardship and cross-institutional collaboration.
Attendees reflected on the exhibition’s lasting legacy as a milestone that expanded scholarship on African modernism, strengthened international partnerships, and introduced Nigerian art to new global audiences.
Although the exhibition has concluded, its influence endures—shaping conversations around African creativity, heritage, modern identity, and cultural diplomacy. It remains a landmark moment in contemporary museum practice and cultural exchange.