Our reporter
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has inaugurated its first purpose-built institution, the MOWAA Institute during a two-day event christened: “Museum in the Making” held on Monday November 4, 2024, in Benin City.
This event showcased the Institute’s commitment to reshaping museum practices and cultural engagement across West Africa.
The occasion gathered an array of leading intellectuals and cultural advocates to engage in discussions about the transformative role of museums in Africa. Distinguished speakers included Prof. Chika Okeke-Agulu and Robert Schirmer of Princeton University, and Prof. Shadreck Chirikure from Oxford University, who provided insights on the ethical and practical challenges of heritage conservation.
Key topics included reimagining the concept of a West African museum, integrating urban development with cultural heritage, and promoting African-led archaeological studies that shed light on the continent’s rich history.
Participants explored the MOWAA Campus through guided tours and participated in hands-on workshops on traditional West African crafts such as pottery and rammed-earth building techniques.
These activities highlighted MOWAA’s mission to foster local skills and inspire a new generation of cultural stewards. International and local artists entertained attendees, further solidifying the Institute’s role as a vibrant space for creative exchange.
The event also recognised MOWAA’s donors and partners, including the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the German Foreign Office, and the Mellon Foundation. These partnerships underscore the collaborative effort behind the MOWAA Institute’s vision and its emphasis on African leadership in cultural preservation.
The newly unveiled MOWAA Institute spans 4,000 square meters, housing advanced conservation labs, an exhibition gallery, and an auditorium. Designed by Adjaye Associates and supervised by Lagos-based MOE+, the building uses sustainable, locally-sourced rammed-earth materials, merging global standards with West African heritage.
Set within the historic moats of the ancient Benin Kingdom, the Institute embodies the region’s artistic legacy while addressing modern needs for sustainability and innovation.
The MOWAA Institute will offer diverse educational programs, residencies for artists and curators, and initiatives like the Centre for Field Archaeology. Community programs, including simulated archaeological digs, are part of MOWAA’s on-going efforts to engage the public in rediscovering and celebrating West African history.
Speaking at the event, Ore Disu, Director of the MOWAA Institute, emphasised the importance of the institution in reasserting Africa’s place in world history:
“This Institute is a testament to the vision of creating a space where African communities can take pride in their heritage and shape their future.”
Director-General Olugbile Holloway of NCMM also remarked, “The world is watching, and MOWAA sets a benchmark for cultural institutions across Africa.”
Established in 2020, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is an independent non-profit organisation, dedicated to preserving West African heritage and celebrating its arts and culture.
Through research, public programmes, and partnerships, MOWAA fosters connections between Africa’s past and present, nurturing a vibrant centre for artists, scholars, and the community.
The MOWAA Institute and the larger MOWAA Campus aim to be enduring cultural landmarks that bridge the region’s ancient artistic traditions with contemporary cultural expression, creating a legacy for future generations to honour and celebrate.
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