Ekumeku Auction House held ‘Kisses on Canvas’ at Indigenous Cultural Center, Asaba

By Godwin Okondo

THE Indigenous Cultural Center (ICC), Asaba, recently held its ‘Kisses on Canvas’ under the brand name Ekumeku Auction House, a residency programme designed to use visual arts as a tool for community engagement, cultural documentation and economic sustainability. The project made its debut on February 14, 2025, with the theme ‘Community on Canvas Art Project’ (COCAP). The event featured resident artists of the centre alongside students from the Fine and Applied Arts Department of Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba, who showcased artworks inspired by the local environment and community experiences.

Community art projects have long served as a vibrant expression of collective creativity, going beyond beautification to cultivate a sense of belonging and initiate dialogue among residents, a statement by the centre’s director Mr. Washington Uba noted. Such projects often involve murals, sculptures and interactive events, transforming art into a communal activity that enriches both the aesthetic and social fabric of neighborhoods. Unlike traditional public art commissioned by city planners or private entities, community art is deeply democratic, often driven by residents or organizations embedded within the community.

Continuing, the state adds, COCAP embodies this spirit by employing a grassroots approach to storytelling through photography and visual arts. The project captures the history and essence of different communities, with images translated onto canvas by resident artists and fine arts students. These works are then sold at the ICC Art Shop as miniature framed souvenirs, each labeled with the location it represents. The initiative not only serves as a tourism marker, drawing visitors to significant sites, but also provides a sustainable revenue stream for artists to purchase materials for future projects.

The evolution of community art projects has historically been tied to urban development and social movements. Initially emerging in response to industrialization and urban decay, such projects have served as a form of resistance, reclaiming public spaces and providing platforms for social commentary. Over time, the themes of these initiatives have expanded to celebrate cultural identity, community pride and social cohesion. Advances in materials and digital technologies have further broadened the scope of community art, allowing for more interactive and large-scale installations.

A collage of art works on display at the auction

Beyond their aesthetic contributions, community art projects offer significant social and economic benefits. They serve as catalysts for engagement, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and fostering dialogue. They also help to combat social isolation, particularly among marginalized groups, by providing opportunities for creative expression and visibility. Economically, such projects can stimulate local economies by attracting tourists, supporting local businesses, and increasing property values.

However, one of the key challenges in sustaining community art initiatives is securing funding, Uba lamented, noting that while some projects receive grants or public funding, many rely on private donations, sponsorships or volunteer efforts. Recognizing this, the ICC developed COCAP as a self-sustaining model, integrating an art sales component to generate funds. In addition to selling artworks at the ICC Art Shop, the project organizes quarterly casual art auctions, encouraging local art collectors and making art more accessible to the general public. Proceeds from these sales are reinvested into the initiative, ensuring continuous funding for the acquisition of art materials and the expansion of community beautification efforts.

According to Uba, the second phase of COCAP will focus on enhancing public spaces through paintings and murals. This effort aligns with the broader goal of using art to transform shared environments, making them more vibrant and reflective of local culture. By engaging artists and community members in the creative process, the project aims to instill a sense of ownership and pride in these public spaces.

The launch event on February 14 marked the first step in bringing this vision to life. Hosted under the Ekumeku Auction House brand, ‘Kisses on Canvas’ provided a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work while reinforcing the project’s mission of community-driven art. The event drew art lovers, collectors, and members of the public, highlighting the role of art in fostering social connections and cultural preservation.

With COCAP, the Indigenous Cultural Center, Asaba is setting a precedent for sustainable community art initiatives in Nigeria. By blending artistic expression with economic empowerment and urban revitalization, the project demonstrates the transformative power of art in shaping communities.