Access Holdings, Coronation Group Celebrate Nigerian Modernism’s Global Success

Nigerian art has once again captured global attention. Months after drawing more than 180,000 visitors to one of the world’s most prestigious museums, the groundbreaking Nigerian Modernism exhibition continues to redefine Africa’s place in global art history, inspiring a new generation and strengthening Nigeria’s cultural influence on the world stage.

Nigeria’s artistic heritage has earned another landmark global recognition as Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group celebrated the remarkable success of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern in London. The exhibition, which welcomed more than 180,000 visitors, has been widely hailed as one of the most influential showcases of African art in recent years, further cementing Nigeria’s position as a leading force in global cultural diplomacy and artistic excellence.

Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have celebrated the lasting success of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern, London, which attracted more than 180,000 visitors and showcased nearly 300 artworks by over 50 Nigerian artists. The exhibition strengthened global recognition of Nigerian art, promoted cultural diplomacy, and expanded international appreciation of African modernism.

LONDON, United Kingdom — Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have celebrated the enduring legacy of the landmark Nigerian Modernism exhibition with a private reception at Tate Modern, London, recognising what has become one of the most significant presentations of African art in the gallery’s recent history.

Held from October 10, 2025, to May 8, 2026, the exhibition featured nearly 300 artworks created by more than 50 Nigerian artists, spanning five decades of artistic production.

Through paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics and works on paper, the exhibition explored the evolution of Nigerian modern art from the 1940s through the post-independence era. It also offered fresh insights into the political, social and cultural influences that shaped modern African artistic expression.

Moreover, the exhibition attracted more than 180,000 visitors during its seven-month run. Its impact extended well beyond the gallery through international media coverage, digital engagement, educational programmes and academic discussions that connected hundreds of millions of people worldwide with the story of Nigerian modern art.

Beyond receiving critical acclaim, the exhibition significantly broadened public access to African art. It created meaningful opportunities for young people and members of the African diaspora to engage directly with Nigeria’s artistic heritage and cultural identity at one of the world’s foremost cultural institutions.

The reception brought together prominent leaders from business, diplomacy, academia, culture and the arts to celebrate the exhibition’s global impact.

Speaking at the event, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, described the exhibition’s influence on young people as one of its most enduring achievements.

“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 exhibition’s broader role in strengthening Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Karin Hinsbo, Interim Director of Tate Modern, praised both the exhibition and the collaboration 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, bringing together an international network of 50 artists across 50 years, combining African and European traditions to create a powerful artistic legacy through more than 250 outstanding works, including paintings, sculptures, 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.”

Importantly, the exhibition challenged longstanding art historical narratives by firmly positioning Nigerian artists within the global story of twentieth-century modernism.

In addition, it featured an extensive programme of lectures, guided tours and educational initiatives designed to deepen public understanding of African art, identity and history.

One of the exhibition’s defining highlights was the display of seven historic wooden sculptures by Ben Enwonwu, originally commissioned in 1960 for the Daily Mirror in London and now housed in the Access Holdings Art Collection.

The works underscored the importance of preserving African cultural heritage through strategic institutional collaboration.

Participants at the reception described the exhibition as a transformative cultural milestone that has expanded scholarship on African modernism, strengthened international partnerships and introduced Nigerian art to broader global audiences.

Although the exhibition has officially concluded, its influence continues to shape conversations on African creativity, cultural heritage, modern identity and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing its status as a landmark achievement in contemporary museum practice.