Ogun State government, in partnership with Artnovation, is set to promote and showcase African culture on the international stage at the Milan Design Week in Italy from April 22 to 26.
Tagged ‘The Rock That Remembers’, the fashion and exhibition event allows Ogun State to showcase its rich heritage, tourism potential, and investment opportunities, especially through Olumo Rock.
Speaking at the official launch of the Artnovation: AfroItalian Renaissance (AAR) exhibition at the Italian Consulate in Lagos, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun said the partnership with Artnovation is a strategic platform to grow Ogun State’s creative economy and boost cultural and economic ties with the Italian government.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to using creativity to drive economic growth, create jobs, boost tourism, and ensure sustainable revenue, building on our support for arts, culture, and local enterprises such as Adire and the renewal of Olumo Rock. With our partnership with the Italian Consulate in Lagos and the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), Ogun State is positioned to lead Nigeria’s creative economy,” Abiodun said.
He further emphasised that Ogun State’s showcase at Milan Design Week 2026 will boost global visibility, expand trade, and strengthen collaboration with Italy.
Foluke Michael, Chief Curator at Artnovation, announces an exclusive VIP screening on April 22, 2026, at Collegiate Milano Bovisa, Piazza Emilio Alfieri 5, Milan, with the exhibition running April 23–26.
Foluke further said a key highlight of the programme is the special event, ‘From the Rock to the World,’ taking place on April 23 at 4:00 PM.
She added that the exhibition will feature five paintings, five fashion installations, hand-painted textures, and indigenous Abeokuta textiles, such as adire and Milanese lace.
“We are beginning a conversation that will spur global action, and we are proud to start with Nigeria and Italy. Artnovation connects storytelling, art, fashion, and design to create new pathways for innovation, partnership, and trade. By bridging Olumo Rock and Duomo di Milano, the European Renaissance with African heritage, we are creating a new spark, one that transforms culture into economic opportunity.
“The exhibition, Through this fusion of natural and architectural monuments, explores how landscapes and structures preserve memory, shape identity, and inspire contemporary design. It offers a world-class setting for this landmark initiative, bringing together creators, institutions, and global audiences in a shared vision of the future,” Foluke said.
Other partners in the event are Collegiate Milan Bovisa and Università LUM-School of Management.
