LONDON, UK. July 3, 2026. Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group welcomed distinguished guests to an exclusive gathering at Tate Modern in London to recognise the lasting influence of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition. The event celebrated a landmark showcase that highlighted the richness of Nigerian artistic achievement and its contribution to global conversations about African modern art.
Presented in partnership with Tate Modern between October 10, 2025, and May 8, 2026, Nigerian Modernism featured close to 300 artworks by more than 50 artists whose work spanned five decades. Through paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and works on paper, the exhibition explored the development of modern Nigerian art from the 1940s into the post-independence period, revealing the political, cultural and social influences that shaped its evolution.
Throughout its presentation, the exhibition welcomed more than 180,000 visitors. Its influence extended well beyond the museum through international media attention, digital platforms, educational programmes and academic discussions, reaching audiences across the world.
In addition to earning widespread critical praise, Nigerian Modernism broadened access to African art by creating meaningful opportunities for young people and members of the African diaspora to engage with African history, creativity and artistic excellence at one of the world’s foremost cultural institutions.
The reception brought together leaders from business, diplomacy, academia, culture and the arts to acknowledge the exhibition’s global reach and cultural importance.
In his remarks, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, highlighted the exhibition’s lasting influence on young visitors.
“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 spoke about the exhibition’s role in strengthening 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.”
Karin Hinsbo, Interim Director of Tate Modern, reflected on the exhibition’s significance and acknowledged 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, combining African and European traditions to create a powerful artistic legacy through 250 glorious works made up 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 received widespread recognition for expanding conventional interpretations of twentieth-century modernism by placing Nigerian artists at the centre of the global narrative. A comprehensive programme of lectures, guided tours and educational activities further encouraged audiences to engage with African art and identity.
Among the exhibition’s highlights were seven historic wooden sculptures by Ben Enwonwu, originally commissioned in 1960 for the Daily Mirror in London and now housed within the Access Holdings Art Collection. Their inclusion reflected the value of preserving important cultural works through institutional collaboration.
Guests concluded the evening by reflecting on the exhibition’s enduring contribution to scholarship, international partnerships and wider appreciation of Nigerian art. Although the exhibition has ended, its legacy continues to influence discussions surrounding African creativity, heritage, cultural diplomacy and modern identity.
