Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have celebrated the global impact of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern in London, describing it as a landmark cultural project that elevated Nigerian art and heritage on the international stage.
The two organisations hosted a private reception at the gallery to mark the exhibition’s success after it showcased nearly 300 works by more than 50 Nigerian artists and attracted over 180,000 visitors during its run from October 2025 to May 2026.
Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said one of the exhibition’s greatest achievements was inspiring young people, particularly those of African heritage, to reconnect with their cultural identity.
“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.”
He also highlighted the broader role of culture in nation-building and diplomacy, pointing to President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the exhibition during his trip to London as evidence of its national significance.
“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 It was a remarkable moment that demonstrated the unique role culture can play in strengthening national identity, global engagement and diplomacy.”
The exhibition brought together paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics and works on paper spanning five decades, tracing the evolution of Nigerian modern art from the 1940s through the post-independence period while reaching global audiences through educational programmes, digital engagement and international media coverage.
Interim Director of Tate Modern, Karin Hinsbo, said the exhibition broke new ground by telling a story never before presented in a UK gallery and praised the contribution of its sponsors.
“Nigerian Modernism captivated hundreds of thousands of visitors. It was a story that had never been told in a UK gallery, none of this would have been possible without the partnership, generosity, and commitment of Access Holdings and Coronation Group.”
The exhibition also featured seven historic wooden sculptures by renowned Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu from the Access Holdings Art Collection, reinforcing the importance of preserving African cultural heritage through institutional collaboration.
Organisers said the exhibition’s legacy extends beyond its conclusion, continuing to influence scholarship, cultural diplomacy and global conversations about African modernism while introducing Nigerian art to new international audiences.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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