Society of Nigerian Artists

About Society of Nigerian Artists

Established On : 1963

No. of Members : 9 

The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) is the professional body for all practicing visual artists in Nigeria. It exists to encourage and promote Nigerian artists and serves as a platform for them to air their views and contribute positively to national development. It was founded in 1963 by artists emerging from various schools and colleges of art, and members of the Zaria Art Society. The first meeting of the Society was held in 1963, and its present name was adopted. Chief Aina Onabolu, Prof. Ben Enwonwu and Prof. Charles P. Argent who was responsible for the development of Zaria's Fine Art department were elected as patrons.
In January 1964, the Society was inaugurated with its headquarters in Lagos and an exhibition was held that featured 84 works by 12 of the founding members. Subsequent exhibitions featured more artists and works drawn from broad categories of entry including sculpture, painting, graphics, photography, print, drawing, ceramics and textile design. At inception, the Society allowed membership to only formally trained artists. Presently, membership has expanded to include art students in tertiary institutions, self-taught and Nigerian artists in Diaspora.