Celebrating a decade of greatness at the 10th anniversary of Terra Kulture

The Nigerian arts & culture community came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of leading arts & cultural institution, Terra Kulture. The event which took place at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Towers on Friday, November 7, 2014, saw a gathering of industry leaders, government officials, and art lovers & patrons who lauded the achievements of Terra Kulture and its founder Bolanle Austen-Peters, in nurturing and promoting Nigerian arts & culture. 

The night’s activities provided a platform for a host of dignitaries and distinguished personalities such as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; art patron, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; Mr. Mutiu Sumonu, MD, Shell Petroleum; Hebert Wigwe, MD Access Bank; Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Femi Lijadu; as well as activist and former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, among others to shower accolades on the successes that Terra Kulture has attained in just one decade. The event was largely made up of speeches from the distinguished guests reminiscing on the early days of Terra Kulture, punctuated by a slew of memorable classical performances from artistes such as classical singer Olumide Dada who kick-started an upward trend with his wonderful rendition of the National Anthem and revered singer Yinka Davies, among others.

Guests at the event were also treated to a special anniversary documentary, produced by BAP Productions and Kunle Afolayan-led Golden Effect, which featured Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; culture administrator and former National Theatre boss, Prof. Ahmed Yerima; one time Chairman of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos State Chapter Olu Ajayi; art collector and founder of OYASAF, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; foremost fashion designer, Deola Sagoe; Nollywood star, Joke Silva; master printmaker, Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya; and metal artist, Fidelis Odogwu among others giving testimonies about the contribution of the centre to the growth and appreciation of cultural and artistic exploits in the country.

Among the memorable speeches given that night was the one by Terra Kulture founder Bolanle Austen Peters, who recalled how she rallied her family, friends and associates to fund the dream that became Terra Kulture. Also highlighted was the crucial role played by the former Managing Director of GT Bank, the late Mr. Tayo Aderinokun, by making the bank a partner in Terra Kulture’s growth. His memory was honored with a posthumous award as a founding member of Terra Kulture, which was received by his widow. Terra’s long-serving staff – Ibrahim Kuta, Muhammed Goni, Rasheed Adeleye and Temitope Sanya, got awards for their dedication and long service to the organization.

The night’s activity was eventually capped off with the unveiling of Access Bank PLC, as Terra Kulture’s new partner, in line with the bank’s commitment to the promotion of Arts and Culture and women-owned businesses. While a new drama by Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions – Full Circle – was premiered, Access Bank’s MD Hebert Wigwe congratulated Terra Kulture and saluted the founder for daring to invest in the art and culture sector, from which many shy away. He described her as an ambassador of arts and culture.