The Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture in Cross River State is set to host an urban art exhibition from September 1st to 30th, 2024.
The exhibition will feature 15th to 21st-century art from the districts of Bekwarra, Obudu, Yala, Obanliku, and Ogoja.
The event aims to showcase the rich culture of the North Senatorial Districts of Cross River State. Calabar, a well-known tourist hub, has seen significant developments over the years. Obudu, with its beautiful plains, hills, and the famous mountain resort, is part of the Northern districts and includes a higher institution. Obudu is also home to renowned sculptors, monolith experts, textile makers, and ceramists. The area is famous for its distinct attire, rich food culture, especially yam, and the elaborate New Yam celebration.
The exhibition will highlight works and other local talents including Okon Ukpong, a renowned sculptor known for the Bull Head at the Obudu Ranch and the giant hands in Calabar, hails from this region.
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The districts in focus also boast diverse languages and rich cultural heritage. The exhibition will feature notable figures such as the Benin princess and Professor Peju Layiwola, who represent the Benin Kingdom and build a connection to Oba Ovonranwen Nogbaisi. The Owan Igede community, with ancestral links to the Owan people of Edo State, will also be represented.
The event aims to build a bridge between these districts and other parts of Cross River State, coinciding with the peak period of the New Yam celebration, the beginning of the Carnival dry run, and preparations. It will merge these cultural festivities with institutional art from some of the best lecturers from the three higher institutions in Cross River State.
