The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) in Nigeria and the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) in the U.S. have formed a transformative partnership to promote Modern and Contemporary African Art and enhance institutional capacity through knowledge exchange.
This partnership marks YSMA’s first major international collaboration and is a significant step in amplifying its global reach, particularly in strengthening U.S.–Nigeria cultural relations through art and heritage. This collaboration, formalized in November 2024, includes joint curatorial initiatives, professional development exchanges, and traveling exhibitions from YSMA’s collection to the U.S.
Jess Castellote, Director of YSMA, emphasized the transformative power of cultural exchange, stating:
“This partnership is a major milestone in our journey to bring Nigerian art to a broader audience. At the YSMA, we believe in the transformative power of cultural exchange. By working with an esteemed institution like the TMA, we are not only building professional capacity but also affirming the place of African art in the global narrative of creativity, innovation, and heritage.”
TMA, recently named the 2025 Best Art Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, is renowned for its history and reputation in museum management, curatorial excellence, and public engagement.
Adam Levine, Director and CEO of TMA, highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration, saying:
“At the Toledo Museum of Art, we are proud to engage in a partnership that fosters mutual learning, inclusivity, and global dialogue. This collaboration with YSMA not only enriches our understanding of African art traditions but also deepens our ability to integrate art into the lives of people — both locally and globally. By working together, we strengthen the institutional ties and cultural connections that inspire, educate, and promote access to the transformative power of art.”
The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University is Nigeria’s leading art institution, committed to service and impact through the preservation and showcase of the rich artistic heritage of Nigeria. With an extensive collection of artworks spanning centuries, YSMA offers a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and activities further designed to create immersive experiences for visitors and to enrich the cultural landscape of the nation.
