The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University recently hosted a pivotal workshop titled “Empowering Artists: Navigating Legal and Contractual Issues in the Art World.”
The event, held in collaboration with the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) and the law firm Kenna Partners, brought together 30 professional artists to explore the intersection of art, law, and also intellectual property.
Facilitators Okechukwu Ekweanya and Ifunanya Ikwueto led in-depth discussions on intellectual property rights and contractual obligations, highlighting how artists can better protect their work and assert their rights within a rapidly evolving creative landscape. Topics ranged from the implications of Nigeria’s Copyright Act 2022 to emerging challenges posed by digital art and artificial intelligence in authorship and copyright.
The workshop underscored the importance of copyright as a tool for securing income and legal protections for creators, regardless of who owns the physical artwork. Section 17 of the Nigerian Copyright Act, which guarantees artists’ rights to royalties from the resale of their work, was a focal point of the conversation.
Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Partner at Kenna Partners, provided critical insights into the role of artists in society, emphasizing their cultural significance:
“Artists are historians of their time. They document our journey as a people, and their rights must be safeguarded to ensure that their contributions are respected and fairly compensated.”
The event also drew attention to the broader implications of empowering artists within Nigeria’s creative economy. Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of YSMA, noted:
“The creative sector drives cultural preservation and economic growth. This workshop bridges a vital gap in awareness, equipping artists to navigate the complexities of intellectual property law and strengthen their professional practice.”
Participants described the workshop as both timely and transformative, providing clarity on legal protections and practical strategies to avoid exploitation in an increasingly competitive industry.
