- Rand Merchant Bank Urges FG to Support Creative Industry
The Managing Director, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), Mr. Michael has stressed the need for the federal government to continue to support the creative industry in its bid to diversify the country’s earnings as well as for job creation.
Larbie said this in an address at an exhibition titled: ‘Impression of Reality,’ by one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary artists, Jonathan Mavua Lessor.
He noted that most countries around the world grow their economies around arts and culture, adding that the growth of the sector would enable many more Africans to engage effectively and profitably in the broader economy.
However, Larbie acknowledge recent efforts by the government in the creative industry.
He explained: “At RMB, we believe art, culture and creativity have been the glue that binds together, not only hearts and souls, but entire societies and nations. And which also lifts the heaviness and lightens the darkness.
“That is one of the reasons we do not only invest in and support businesses and the economy; we also invest in and support the arts.”
Furthermore, Larbie stated that the bank supports arts because it believes that the creative economy has the potential to generate economic growth, employment and trade, adding that the growth of this sector would enable many more Africans to engage effectively and profitably in the broader economy.
“In South Africa, RMB is recognised as driving growth in the creative economy through supporting initiatives for both audience development and artist exposure in many forms of the creative arts, including music, dance, drama and visual arts. To us, that makes good business sense.
“In Nigeria, we aim to support artists and organisations to develop and support a creative mindset for a creative economy. We sponsored a night at the theatre for our clients a few years back and have continued to support the Nigerian creative industry through different initiatives.
“Jonathan is a standout example of an artist who is contributing to the measurable impact art has on our economy, society and wellbeing.
“He has held several solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions; his work is collected in Nigeria, Europe, the US and South Africa; he has made a significant contribution to the recognition of art and creativity in our country. We are proud to be associated with him through this exhibition and hopefully more to come,” he added.
The RMB boss expressed delight that his firm could showcase Jonathan’s most recent artwork – which according to him, stood out as a unique insight into the Lagosian environment.
