As Kaltume Bulama Gana, fsna, marks her first year as the Artistic Director/CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN), her leadership has proven to be a transformative era for the agency.
With a distinguished background in fine arts and creative leadership, she has reshaped the vision of the National Troupe by integrating technological innovation into the cultural dance space.
Kaltume Gana’s appointment in December 2023 brought a fresh wave of hope and ambition to the National Troupe of Nigeria. With an artistic career spanning decades, she emerged as a trailblazer in the creative arts industry, despite starting her career in painting, mosaics, and murals.
Her tenure has been characterized by determination, resilience, and groundbreaking initiatives.
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An accomplished artist with over 47 global exhibitions and numerous international awards, Gana’s works have adorned embassies, mosques, and prestigious venues worldwide.
Her notable creations, including the iconic Queen Amina painting, showcase her unique artistic perspective and commitment to cultural preservation.
Her advocacy extends beyond art, reflected in her founding of the Herwa Heart of Art Initiative, which empowers children affected by insurgency through art therapy and vocational training.
This deep-rooted passion for cultural preservation inspired her quest to infuse technology into traditional performance art.
Under Gana’s leadership, the National Troupe of Nigeria has entered a new era through its partnership with Open Innovation Access, a leader in technological innovation.
This collaboration aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies like virtual and augmented reality into the troupe’s dance performances, creating immersive cultural experiences.
Through this initiative, cultural dances traditionally confined to physical stages will now reach global audiences. Spectators can experience the beauty of Nigerian cultural dances from anywhere in the world through virtual platforms.
This effort not only preserves traditional performances but also reinvents them for modern audiences.
Speaking on the project, Gana expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled to partner with Open Innovation Access to usher in a new era of cultural experiences.
By embracing technology, we can captivate audiences worldwide while safeguarding our rich cultural heritage for future generations.”
The technological shift is expected to create job opportunities for tech professionals, traditional artisans, and performers while stimulating the creative economy through increased demand for costumes, props, and digital production.
The culmination of this pioneering effort will be celebrated at the official launch of Re-Imagining the National Troupe of Nigeria through Innovation on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, at Queen Amina Garden, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, at 1:30PM.
Special Guest of Honour:
Barr. Hanatu Musa Musawa, Hon. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & the Creative Economy.
This landmark event promises to redefine the cultural dance industry while celebrating Kaltume Gana’s remarkable leadership. As the National Troupe of Nigeria continues its innovative journey, Gana’s legacy stands as a testament to what can be achieved through creativity, resilience, and vision-driven leadership.
_Abdulfattah Abdussalam is the Managing Editor of PEACE Magazine, Nigeria._ _An Independent Islamic News magazine_