The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, has called for stronger government and private sector funding for the performing arts to promote sustainable creative businesses and empower young talents.
Mrs Tola Akerele, General Manager of the National Theatre Nigeria, made the call while delivering the opening address at a session on “Building Sustainable Business Models in the Performing Arts” on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session was held at the ongoing CANEXWKND 2026.
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The Creative African Nexus (CANEX) is an initiative of Afreximbank.
Akerele said increased investment in the sector would enable creatives to transform their talents into sustainable businesses rather than depend on occasional sponsorships to stage productions.
She noted that many performing artists lacked the capacity and business management skills to effectively manage their creative enterprises.
According to her, the absence of specialised training, including project management for performing arts, had created challenges for creatives seeking to build sustainable businesses.
Akerele said the Creative Summit organised by the National Theatre was designed to address the capacity gap and equip practitioners with knowledge on business development and funding opportunities.
She identified government support, grants, sponsorships and private sector partnerships as some of the funding options available to creatives, stressing the need for practitioners to adopt models suitable for their operations.
She further said the institution was exploring funding opportunities through global organisations and platforms, including the British Council, while also considering the establishment of an endowment fund to support creative initiatives.
She said Nigeria had the resources to promote its creative industries but needed increased investment and stronger stakeholder collaboration.
Akerele added that funding culture could transform communities, create opportunities for young people and strengthen cultural expression.
She urged the private sector to support cultural initiatives, noting that partnerships with businesses could help promote corporate brands while advancing the creative industry.
Akerele said young people remained central to the future of the creative sector, adding that their enthusiasm for culture presented opportunities for growth and development.
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