Arts and Museums: The Making of Cultural Institutions that Shapes Lives, Legacies for Generations

By Ejiro Umukoro

Art has long been a significant part of human culture, offering more than mere aesthetic pleasure. It serves as a powerful medium for social commentary, personal expression, and communal identity. The importance of art in society is multifaceted, touching lives in profound ways that extend far beyond gallery walls and museum corridors.

Art, whether in the form of paintings, sculptures, installations, or performances, has the unique ability to provoke thought and inspire change. It can address social issues, challenge perceptions, and bring attention to matters often overlooked.
Research shows that Africa has just 900 museums, with Nigeria contributing only 52 national museums according to data from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). Meanwhile, the United States boasts of 35,000 museums, and Europe, 15,000 museums.

The Transformative Power of Art
According to Jess Castellote, the director of Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, during an Art exhibition at the museum, he highlighted that art has a transformative power to bring about change.

“I think this is important. It’s important not only for us who are working here. This is important for the people who benefit from this. Because art has the power to change lives, to touch lives, to help people think about issues,” Castellote said. “We want to help people learn and explore not only about the arts, not only to learn about art, but to learn about other issues. Like in this exhibition, we are exploring the whole of the arts in the north and what that means,” he added.

Art, in its myriad forms, provides a reflective lens through which society can examine itself. It’s a dialogue between the past and present, offering insights into the human condition, cultural values, and historical contexts.

Museums as Dynamic Cultural Hubs
The role of museums in every society is dynamic. They are not just repositories of art but are vibrant cultural hubs that facilitate learning and exploration. Castellote notes that museums help people learn about different cultures and issues, fostering a more inclusive and informed society.
“The objects that are on display are the beliefs, the history, the tradition, the culture that is living. So this is something that is important for everybody,” Castellote explained. “And we are fortunate to be in an institution that supports that goal, that mission of service,” he added.

Museum of Art do not merely display art; they curate experiences that challenge visitors to rethink and reimagine societal narratives. Castellote’s emphasis on the transformative power of art highlights a crucial aspect of cultural institutions: their role in education and social change.

Exhibitions that explore regional arts, like the recent exhibition on Northern Nigerian art at the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, are vital in preserving cultural heritage and promoting regional understanding. By showcasing diverse artistic traditions, museums foster a sense of unity and appreciation for cultural diversity.

The Art of Art Collections

The act of Art Collection carries significant cultural and educational value. Prince Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, Nigeria’s foremost art collector and founder of the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), underscores the importance of leaving a legacy through art.
As a foremost art collector in Nigeria, he shared on the importance of collecting arts and the legacy for next generation: “Well, this dream came out of the fact that I want to leave a legacy in life,” Shyllon shared. “So this is a dream come true of which I’m very happy for my country, for my continent.”

Sharing further, Shyllon noted that: “Including my Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), which has also assisted about 18 scholars from different parts of the world to get their PhD, and about 45 artists from different parts of the world that have done residency with me,” Shyllon added.

Shyllon’s journey from a young art enthusiast to one of the largest collectors in Africa illustrates the deep personal and societal impact of art collection. His commitment to art has not only preserved Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage but has also fostered academic research and artistic development through his foundation’s support of scholars and artists worldwide.

The Interrelationship Between Art and Science
Shyllon also highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of art. He emphasized that his background in engineering and his passion for art illustrate the symbiotic relationship between art and science. He points out that creativity and scientific inquiry are interconnected, with each discipline enhancing the other.

“There is an interrelationship between art and science. Every engineer, I was an engineer with Caterpillar, and I can tell you that when we design earth-moving equipment, excavators, bulldozers, and so on, we need artists to help us look at the framework,” Shyllon explained. “Leonardo da Vinci was the first person to sketch the airplane, and he was an artist. So there is a relationship between the two. If it’s properly managed,” he added.

Engaging Younger Generations
The benefits of engaging with art and museums extend to younger generations as well. Exposing children to art at an early age can enhance their creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

Shyllon commends initiatives that encourage children to visit museums and engage with art hands-on, which not only sparks their imagination but also provides them with a deeper understanding of the world around them. “In the developed world, they start exposing children from primary school to visit museums. And that’s why I commend this university, this Yemisi Shyllon Museum. They encourage children to come here and use their hands to draw what they are seeing, and they educate them about the technology behind those works,” Shyllon noted.

Engaging younger generations with art is particularly significant in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. Early exposure to art encourages critical thinking and creativity, skills that are increasingly important in a rapidly changing global landscape. Programs that involve children in museum activities not only educate but also inspire future generations to value and preserve their cultural heritage.

The importance of art, art collection, and museums in society cannot be overstated. They serve as vital instruments for education, cultural preservation, and social cohesion. Art can touch lives, shape identities, and inspire change.
As society continues to evolve, the role of art and cultural institutions will remain indispensable in fostering a more empathetic, informed, and connected world ensuring that the legacies they nurture endure for generations to come.