Edo, Toronto move to deepen cultural ties through art exchange

TORONTO — Edo State Government and the City of Toronto, Canada, have expressed readiness to strengthen cultural relations through structured exchange programmes aimed at promoting Edo art and heritage on the global stage.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs Iryn Omorogiuwa, disclosed this during an engagement with officials of art councils in Toronto and Brampton.

She said the Canadian officials indicated willingness to deepen cultural ties with Edo State, further strengthening existing diplomatic relations between Canada and Nigeria.

The development followed a special art exhibition titled “Bronze City: Transnational Journeys from Benin City to Canada,” organised by Benin-born art and culture ambassador, Ms Nekpen Obasogie.

The exhibition, held at Keel Community Hub and Queen Idia Art Gallery in Brampton from April 9 to 11, 2026, showcased Benin bronzes, paintings, and other artworks.

Speaking during a CityNews Radio broadcast in Toronto monitored in Benin City, Obasogie said the exhibition was part of deliberate efforts to promote Edo’s rich artistic heritage internationally.

“We have a tradition of producing bronzes in Benin City,” she said.

The exhibition also underscored the Edo State Government’s role in creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in promoting culture globally.

In a related development, a Canada-based organisation, Women of Dignity International (WODI), indicated interest in partnering with the Edo State Government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to further promote Edo art and culture.

Omorogiuwa confirmed the proposed collaboration during a meeting with the group in Toronto.