- Mission: MOWAA aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem in West Africa for heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary arts .
- Location: The museum is located in the historic heart of Benin City, Nigeria .
- The Institute: The MOWAA Institute is the first facility on the 15-acre campus, serving as a center for knowledge generation and creative collaborations, with a focus on archaeology, conservation, heritage management, and museum practice .
- Facilities: The campus will feature various facilities, including the Rainforest Gallery, Art Guesthouse, and Artisans Hall, showcasing a living and thriving culture .
- Partnerships: MOWAA has partnered with prestigious institutions, such as Oxford University’s School of Archaeology, to promote Africa-led scientific research .
- Leadership: Phillip Ihenacho is the Executive Director and Chairman of MOWAA, with Ore Disu leading the MOWAA Institute .
- Upcoming Events: MOWAA has hosted several events, including the “Museum in the Making” preview and the West African Archaeology Seminar .
- Job Opportunities: MOWAA is currently hiring for positions like Senior Communications Associate .
- Grant: MOWAA received a $3 million grant from the Mellon Foundation .
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Trust was established in 2020 with three key objectives in mind. Firstly, Edo State aimed to become a hub for culture, tourism, and the creative economy. To achieve this, the state governor at the time sought assistance in securing funding, which led to the creation of MOWAA Trust as an independent, charitable organization. This structure allowed for effective governance and fundraising from international and domestic sources.
Secondly, the initiative was driven by discussions around the restitution of West African artifacts, including the Benin Bronzes. The Benin Dialogue Group was formed to address these discussions, and it became clear that a lack of suitable museum infrastructure in West Africa was a significant obstacle. MOWAA Trust aimed to demonstrate that such infrastructure was being developed, dispelling doubts and misconceptions.
Lastly, Phillip Ihenacho, the Executive Director of MOWAA Trust, was motivated to support Nigeria’s creative and heritage sector. He believed that the country had a competitive advantage in culture and creativity but lacked infrastructure and platforms to support heritage professionals and artists. Ihenacho envisioned MOWAA Trust as a catalyst for West African creativity, providing research, education, and career development opportunities.
It’s worth noting that MOWAA Trust has been subject to misconceptions, including claims that it’s owned by former Governor Godwin Obaseki or that funds intended for the Benin Royal Museum were diverted to MOWAA. However, Ihenacho has clarified that MOWAA is a not-for-profit organization with no ties to Obaseki and that the majority of its funding comes from international foundations, governments, and individual donors.
