The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University in collaboration with the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) and Kenna Partners, a leading law firm renowned for its expertise in art law, recently hosted a transformative workshop titled Empowering Artists: Navigating Legal and Contractual Issues in the Arts World at the museum.

The workshop, the first of its kind in Nigeria, placed a spotlight on copyright practices and intellectual property rights, emphasising their pivotal role in protecting artists’ works, fostering innovation, and driving national development. The facilitators, Okechukwu Ekweanya and Ifunanya Ikwueto, addressed the critical need for awareness and enforcement of art-specific agreements, which, if overlooked, not only short-change artists but also hinder the creative sector’s potential to significantly contribute to the economy.

At the heart of the discussion was the recognition of copyright as an invaluable asset that secures legal rights and income opportunities for creators, regardless of who owns the physical creations.