Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, will spearhead the gathering of maritime industry stakeholders and art enthusiasts at the 3rd edition of the African Maritime Arts Exhibition (AMAE 2024). The event is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In a press release on Wednesday, Ezinne Azunna, Programme Director for AMAE, announced that this year’s event, themed *“History & Trends: Seascapes from Nigeria’s Blue Economy,”* will highlight the intersection of maritime history, culture, and the arts. It will also feature a unique presentation of maritime-themed short stories crafted by children under the Maritime Writes Project.
According to Azunna, AMAE 2024 promises a dynamic lineup of activities, including:
– A formal exhibition opening curated by the National Gallery of Art.
– Private executive viewings for select guests.
– Live drawing and painting sessions.
– “Blue Economy in Art” workshops for children and schools.
This year’s exhibition stands out due to its partnerships with the National Gallery of Art and the Naval Dockyard, institutions celebrated for their contributions to the maritime and artistic communities.
The exhibition will showcase a wide range of artistic representations, including seascapes, depictions of marine life, and portrayals of Nigeria’s maritime heritage. From ports and jetties to coastal communities and naval history, the art pieces aim to narrate Africa’s maritime journey.
Beyond aesthetics, AMAE 2024 will spotlight critical issues such as sea piracy, marine pollution, climate change, women in maritime, and international safety conventions. It will also feature campaigns promoting research, marine conservation, and innovations within Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
Since its inception, AMAE has served as a creative bridge between Africa’s maritime industry and society. Organized by Hazi’s Art, a division of Maritime TV Africa, the event uses diverse mediums—paintings, sculptures, textiles, and digital art—to capture and convey the stories of Africa’s marine landscape.
“AMAE has become a networking hub, connecting policymakers, industry leaders, and art lovers to drive conversations around the Blue Economy,” said Azunna.
The exhibition will open to the public from November 22 to November 24, 2024, and is expected to attract dignitaries, industry leaders, diplomats, and representatives from trade institutions.