All is now set for the 2019 edition of the Distinguished Ben Enwonwu Annual Lecture themed Art: An Instrument for Peace, Conflict Resolution and Socio-economic Transformation. It will hold at MUSON Centre, Lagos.
The guest speaker is Her Excellency, Ms. Harriet Thompson, The Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria.
According to the Ben Enwonwu Foundation, it will hold at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
It notes in a statement that, on October 5, 1966, a copy of Ben Enwonwu’s critically acclaimed work, ‘Anyanwu’ (1954-55), was gifted by the Nigerian government to the United Nations (UN) in promoting world peace. Standing gracefully at the lobby of the UN’s headquarters in New York, ‘Anyanwu’ symbolises an emergent African continent with many of her countries gaining independence.
Other works by the artist advocating for peace, conflict resolution and societal transformation include the series ‘Children of Biafra’ (1968-72) and ‘Storm over Biafra’ (1972), which chart Enwonwu’s anguish over the Nigerian civil war.
“Against this background, the 11th Distinguished Ben Enwonwu Lecture aims to promote peace and conflict resolution by creating social transformation and change. The lecture will seek to also address systemic oppression, such as racism, colonialism, sexism, religious fanaticism, violent extremism, and relations in mainstream institutions and practices.
“It is hoped that the lecture will spark a shift in our collective consciousness, resulting in a reinvigorated and revitalised population, restored civic pride and economic prosperity,” the foundation noted.
