CORA Has Become the Guardian of Nigeria’s Creative Nation, Says Lanipekun
By Banji Joshua
The Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) marks its 35th anniversary, stakeholders in Nigeria’s cultural and creative sector are reflecting on the organization’s enduring role as one of the country’s foremost advocates for arts, culture, and creative expression.
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In a commemorative reflection titled “CORA @35: Stories. Signs. Symbols,” cultural advocate and cleric, Pastor Tunde Lanipekun, described CORA as a visionary and advocacy-driven institution that has consistently championed the interests of artists, cultural practitioners, and the broader creative community over the past three and a half decades.
According to Lanipekun, CORA has evolved beyond a conventional arts organization to become a critical voice in shaping conversations around cultural policy, artistic freedom, public engagement, and the future of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
He noted that the organization’s symbol—the Eye—captures its identity and mission as a vigilant observer and defender of the arts and culture sector.
Lanipekun explained that the Eye represents CORA’s role as a watchdog, constantly monitoring developments within the cultural landscape, including government policies, institutional frameworks, funding mechanisms, and other issues affecting artists and creative practitioners.
He said the symbol also reflects the organization’s commitment to foresight and innovation, emphasizing its efforts to promote progressive cultural policies and sustainable structures capable of supporting the growth of Nigeria’s creative industries.
Beyond advocacy, he noted that CORA has served as a platform for raising public awareness about the value of arts and culture in national development. Through public discourse, policy engagement, literary events, festivals, and cultural interventions, the organization has continued to highlight both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
The Eye, he further explained, symbolizes insight, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement—qualities that have defined CORA’s interventions over the years. According to him, the organization has consistently encouraged debate, research, critique, and informed conversations on issues affecting culture and society.
Lanipekun also highlighted CORA’s role in protecting artistic freedom and preserving cultural heritage, describing the organization as a guardian of creative expression and a defender of the rights of artists.
“CORA has remained committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural legacy while creating space for innovation, creativity, and artistic growth,” he said.
He added that the organization’s influence extends beyond observation and commentary, noting that CORA has actively pursued initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s creative economy and ensuring that arts and culture remain relevant to contemporary social and economic realities.
Founded in 1991, CORA has become one of Nigeria’s most respected cultural institutions, known for pioneering platforms such as the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF), policy dialogues, literary engagements, and interventions designed to deepen public appreciation of the arts.
As the organization celebrates 35 years of service, stakeholders say its legacy lies not only in the events it has organized, but also in its unwavering commitment to keeping the arts visible, relevant, and central to national development.
For many within the creative community, CORA’s Eye continues to symbolize vigilance, vision, and the enduring responsibility to watch over the future of Nigerian arts and culture.