Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have projected the evolution of Nigerian modernism into the global cultural mainstream through a high-profile partnership with Tate Modern, in a landmark move to elevate African narratives on the world stage.

The collaboration, timed to coincide with World Art Day, featured an exclusive virtual session titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism”. The event did more than just showcase art; it served as a strategic dialogue on how Nigeria’s rich ethnic plurality and indigenous traditions created a visual language that challenged and ultimately reshaped the global definition of modern art.

By bridging the gap between Lagos and London, the two financial giants demonstrated that the “wealth of a nation” is no longer measured solely by its balance sheets but by the strength of its cultural and intellectual identity. According to a joint statement issued by Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group, the event opened with a perspective on why the private sector must pivot towards supporting the arts, framing culture as a vital asset for national development.

Commenting on the development, the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, said, “We recognise that the true wealth of a nation lies in three forms of capital, financial capital, cultural capital, and intellectual capital.

While financial capital builds prosperity, cultural and intellectual capital give that prosperity meaning. One strengthens institutions, while the other shapes identity and inspires dialogue.”

“At Coronation Group and Access Holdings, we share a conviction that access to art must be democratised; it should be for all, not a select few,” the statement added.

Central to the discussion was the debunking of the myth that African art is merely a derivative of Western movements. Experts from Tate Modern highlighted how Nigerian artists throughout the 20th century established independent schools and collectives that were fundamentally revolutionary.

“Nigerian modernism is not an extension of European modernism; it is a powerful, independent reimagining of what modern art can be,” noted Osei Bonsu, Curator at Tate Modern. “Rooted in Nigeria’s rich ethnic diversity, artists developed new visual languages that reflect multiple cultural identities and histories, fundamentally reshaping how we understand modern art on a global scale.”

The partnership follows a period of heightened international recognition for Nigerian heritage, including a recent milestone visit by President Bola Tinubu to the Tate Modern exhibition. For the organisers, this global visibility is an investment in the continent’s future influence.

Commenting on the development, the Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Amaechi Okobi, said, “This partnership with Tate Modern reflects our broader commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage. By creating platforms for engagement, dialogue, and learning, we are not only supporting the arts, but we are also preserving identity, fostering understanding, and investing in the cultural capital that defines who we are.”

The event concluded with a reinforced pledge from Access Holdings and Coronation Group to continue elevating Nigerian stories, ensuring that the country’s creativity remains a cornerstone of global cultural discourse for generations to come.