Access Holdings, Coronation Group Honour Global Impact of Nigerian Modernism Exhibition in London
London, United Kingdom – July 1, 2026 – Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group hosted a prestigious reception at Tate Modern to commemorate the outstanding success and lasting cultural influence of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, widely regarded as one of the most influential African art showcases presented by the museum in recent years.
The exhibition, staged in collaboration with Tate Modern between October 10, 2025, and May 8, 2026, featured close to 300 artworks created by over 50 Nigerian artists across five decades. Through a rich display of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles and paper works, the showcase explored the growth of Nigerian modern art from the 1940s into the post-independence period, while highlighting the historical, political and social experiences that shaped artistic expression in Africa.
Over the course of its exhibition period, Nigerian Modernism welcomed more than 180,000 visitors and generated significant international attention through media exposure, academic discussions, educational programmes and online engagement, bringing Nigerian art and heritage to audiences across the world.
The exhibition was also celebrated for widening access to African art, particularly among young people and members of the African diaspora, many of whom experienced a deeper connection to African history, identity and creativity through the project.
The London reception attracted notable personalities from the worlds of business, diplomacy, arts, academia and culture, all gathered to recognise the exhibition’s international relevance and enduring contribution to global conversations on African modernism.
Speaking during the event, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede described the exhibition as a transformative experience for many young visitors.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of this project was the opportunity it created for nearly 2,800 students, many of African heritage, to visit Tate Modern and engage with these extraordinary works. The reactions and feedback we received showed how deeply the exhibition strengthened their appreciation of African identity and cultural pride.”
He further stressed the importance of culture as a tool for diplomacy and national development.
“I have always believed that the growth of great nations rests on financial, intellectual and cultural capital, with culture often serving as the bridge that connects the others. A clear example of this was when Bola Ahmed Tinubu included a private tour of the exhibition during his London visit. It reflected how culture can reinforce national identity, strengthen diaspora connections and promote global engagement.”
Interim Director of Tate Modern, Karin Hinsbo, praised the exhibition’s success and acknowledged the commitment of its partners.
“Nigerian Modernism resonated strongly with audiences and introduced visitors to a remarkable artistic story that had never before been explored in a UK gallery at this scale. Bringing together decades of artistic innovation across painting, sculpture, ceramics and textiles, the exhibition became possible through the invaluable support and partnership of Access Holdings and Coronation Group.”
The exhibition gained widespread recognition for reshaping conversations around twentieth-century modernism by placing Nigerian artists firmly within the global art narrative. It also featured a broad range of public engagement activities, including lectures, guided tours and educational programmes aimed at promoting deeper understanding of African creativity and cultural identity.
Among the standout attractions were seven historic wooden sculptures by Ben Enwonwu, originally commissioned in 1960 for the Daily Mirror in London and now preserved within the Access Holdings Art Collection. Their display highlighted the significance of preserving African artistic heritage through institutional collaboration and responsible cultural stewardship.
Guests at the reception described the exhibition as a defining cultural achievement that expanded global appreciation for African modernism, strengthened international partnerships and opened new opportunities for Nigerian art on the world stage.
Although the exhibition has come to an end, its impact continues to inspire conversations around African heritage, creativity, identity and cultural diplomacy, cementing its legacy as a milestone in contemporary global museum practice.