A Sculptor, Mr Peter Oramulu says poor patronage and inadequate finance are posing great challenges to successful art works in Enugu State.
Oramulu, the Vice Chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists, Enugu chapter, made this known on Thursday, while speaking with Our correspondent in Enugu.
He identified buyers and attitude of people toward creativity as the major hindrances for the sales of sculptural work in the state.
According to him, sculptural works is lucrative but it is being patronised and appreciated only by the rich and government.
Oramulu, who is also the Technical Assistant/Special duties to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said, “if one does not have the contact of government or a rich person, it becomes problematic to sell.
“Most Sculptors at times are being contracted by rich person to mould an art work for them, apart from that, selling is stressful in the state.
“One has to convince a lot of people to put in their money,’’ he said.
He said that when art works were being created, majority of the people in the state appreciated it verbally with no intention to buy.
“It is easier to sell and make money when one has right contacts.
“Enugu State government appreciates art works because if you move around the city, you will see sculptural work at some strategic places for beautification purposes.’’
The Sculptor explained that none availability of fund affect both performing and fine artists in the state.
“We heard that there are Federal Government grant for creative industry through Central Bank of Nigeria in the state but we do not have access it.
“For us to produce more art work, we need money and many of us are dying of hunger because it takes time to sell our works,” Oramulu said.
