Google Arts & Culture Launches ‘Eko for Show’ Project to Showcase Creativity of Lagos

Google Arts & Culture is collaborating with the Nigerian government for the launch of Eko for Show, an initiative to showcase and celebrate Lagos, one of the world’s most vibrant cities for youth, creativity and technology.

In partnership with seven of Lagos’s top cultural institutions, the Eko for Show online exhibition will enable audiences to virtually “meet” some of the city’s music makers, visual artists, trendsetters, storytellers and foodies.

“Google Arts & Culture’s mission is to preserve and promote the world’s art and culture online to everyone, anywhere in the world.

“With Eko for Show, we celebrate the creative industry of Lagos and share the buzz, even if virtually, through the works and stories of its incredible youth and culture,” said Amit Sood, Director, Google Arts & Culture.

The seven cultural institutions include the African Artists Foundation, Homecoming, Lagos Fashion Week, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Rele Arts Foundation, Terra Kulture and the Centenary Project.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State said he was excited about the project as it “highlights the impressive body of creative talent to which Lagos is home, spreading the news across the world.”

“The coronavirus regrettably resulted in the cancellation of many creative events in Lagos State, which is why I am so excited about the Eko for Show project, a continuation of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation’s partnership with Google Arts & Culture,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Folorunsho Coker, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, added: “The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation is committed to fuelling Nigeria’s economy by supporting creativity, youth and entrepreneurs. Since 2020, we have collaborated with Google Arts & Culture on a programme to shine a light on Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, spectacular nature, bustling cities and our welcoming spirit.

“Our partnership with Google Arts & Culture has a crucial role to play in seeing us achieve our mission of accelerating growth of domestic tourism, and fostering economic development in Nigeria.”

Juliet Ehimuan, Google Director West Africa, credited the Taste of Nigeria project, announced in 2019, for giving people across the world the chance to experience Nigerian arts and culture.

“The launch of Eko for Show further reinforces Google’s commitment to Nigeria’s art and creative industry, and its support for the recovery and growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector,” she said.

Rita Osakwe

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