Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have hosted a private reception at Tate Modern in London to celebrate the success and lasting impact of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, one of the most significant showcases of African art in the gallery’s recent history.
The exhibition, held in partnership with Tate Modern from October 2025 to May 2026, featured nearly 300 works by more than 50 artists and traced the development of modern Nigerian art from the 1940s through the post-independence period.
Through paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics and works on paper, the exhibition explored the political, social and cultural influences that shaped modern artistic expression in Nigeria and across Africa.
During its seven-month run, the exhibition attracted more than 180,000 visitors and reached a global audience through media coverage, digital engagement, educational programmes and scholarly discussions.
The exhibition was also recognised for expanding access to African art by creating opportunities for young people and members of the African diaspora to engage with Nigerian history, creativity and cultural heritage at one of the world’s leading museums.
The reception brought together prominent figures from the worlds of business, culture, diplomacy, academia and the arts to reflect on the exhibition’s international impact and cultural significance.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, highlighted the exhibition’s influence on young people, particularly students of African heritage.
He noted that nearly 2,800 students visited the exhibition, many of whom developed a stronger appreciation of their heritage and a deeper sense of identity through their engagement with the artworks.
Aig-Imoukhuede also stressed the importance of cultural capital in nation-building, describing culture as a powerful tool for strengthening national identity, diplomacy and international engagement.
He cited President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the exhibition during his trip to London as an example of how cultural initiatives can contribute to global recognition and national pride.
Interim Director of Tate Modern, Karin Hinsbo, described Nigerian Modernism as a groundbreaking exhibition that introduced audiences to a story never before presented in a United Kingdom gallery.
She praised the collaboration between Tate Modern, Access Holdings and Coronation Group, noting that the exhibition showcased the artistic legacy of Nigerian creators through an extensive collection of works spanning five decades.
The exhibition was widely commended for challenging traditional art historical narratives and placing Nigerian artists firmly within the global history of twentieth-century modernism.
It also featured lectures, guided tours and educational programmes designed to deepen public understanding of African art and identity.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the display of seven historic wooden sculptures by renowned Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu. The sculptures, originally commissioned in 1960 for the Daily Mirror in London, are part of the Access Holdings Art Collection.
Stakeholders at the event described the exhibition as a landmark cultural achievement that expanded scholarship on African modernism, strengthened international cultural partnerships and introduced Nigerian art to new global audiences.
Although the exhibition has ended, its legacy continues to influence discussions on African creativity, heritage, cultural diplomacy and contemporary museum practice around the world.