RMBN affirms support for growth of creative sector

Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria (RMBN) said it is investing heavily in creative arts to enable more Africans engage effectively and profitably in the broader economy.

The move is based on it assessment that the creative industry underpins economic growth, creates jobs, as well bring people together.

Most nations around the world, through support of government and the private sector, developed around their culture and art by supporting initiatives for audience development and artists’ exposure in forms of creative arts.

Proving its support for the growth of the sector, the bank at the weekend in Lagos, sponsored an exhibition work of one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary artists, Jonathan Mavua Lessor, which he created over a period of three years.

This is now by providing a platform for him to showcase his numerous works at the Wings Towers in Lagos.

Describing Lessor’s impression of reality artwork as lifting the heaviness and lightening the darkness, which stands out as a unique insight into the Lagosian’s environment, the Chief Executive Officer and Regional Head West Africa, RMB Nigeria, Michael Larbie, encouraged the artist to expand his tenets by building and extending the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s most creative economies.

Impressed with government’s support in tapping the resources in the creative industry, Larbie said that the financial institution is ready to partner with government and private firms to promote and give a strong presence to art and culture in Nigeria.

The exhibitor, Jonathan Lessor, also urged government to look deep into the creative industry as it contributes largely to the development of the economy.

“The art is supposed to be a goldmine. If we must succeed in it, then we must pay attention to the education of art from the grass root level. Art is not just about painting or sculpturing but about creativity and as you can see in our country we lack creative that is why we are where we are.

“Creativity is the first thing. So, if government wants to get something out of art they should face education squarely,” Lessor said.

However, Larbie noted that having a veritable platform has been a major challenge for artists to showcase their talents and exhibit their works.

“I think we see what the government is doing already. The government is very supportive of entertainment sector, whether it is Nollywood or music for that matter. I think the government recognizes that and we hope that they continue.

“I think exhibitions like this are certainly one way to do it. Normally, support is not just financial but its allowing exhibitions that enable our clients to see it also buy it. So you provide a platform, which is majorly a challenge for the exhibition for upcoming artists to also exhibit their works.

“We hope that we can leverage on our own relationship and resources, provide platforms as one. Another aspect is where the painting itself is nice and we buy for own keeping,” Larbie said.