Macaulay Eteli: Bayelsa’s Maiden Visual Arts Exhibition Opens New Doors for Artists
In an exclusive interview with our Managing Editor, Victor Oroyi, Macaulay Eteli, Curator of MEA Gallery, Yenagoa, and Chairman of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), highlighted the significance of the maiden edition of the Contemporary and Traditional Arts Exhibition 2026, themed “Prosperity in the Arts,” organised by the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture in Yenagoa.
Question: This is a major state exhibition. How does it make you feel as an indigenous artist?
Macaulay Eteli: It feels great to come back home and be part of the arts scene, especially after being invited to participate in this exhibition through the Senior Special Assistant in collaboration with our chairman.
It feels really good, and it opens up new experiences. There are many things we are going to learn from this exhibition.
Question: You have gained international exposure as an artist, and now this is being done in your state. How does that make you feel?
Macaulay Eteli: It feels wonderful because the main reason I came back home was to establish a gallery here. This is officially my first engagement with the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, and I am grateful to the Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists for inviting me to participate in this event. It is a significant first step that places me among active stakeholders in Bayelsa’s arts community.
This gives me the enthusiasm to support the development of an active Arts Council. However, there are still a few things that need to be improved, especially regarding visual arts exhibitions.
I have watched videos of the Bayelsa dance troupe performing in Canada and here in Nigeria, and they have clearly made an impact wherever they have performed.
One of the speakers mentioned that out of ten events the Bayelsa dance troupe attended, they won nine. That shows they are working diligently. Even the Rivers State Arts Council demonstrates similar strength because many of those artists are Bayelsans who came from Rivers State.
This is the first time the focus is on visual arts. While more planning is needed, I am happy to have witnessed this performance.
Question: Based on your international exposure, what will be your major takeaway from this exhibition?
Macaulay Eteli: The quality of presentation is my biggest takeaway. I would have loved to see the exhibition staged in a proper gallery where visitors could move around and view the artworks at their own pace.
However, I understand why it was organised this way. Since this is the maiden visual arts exhibition, the organisers had to introduce their personnel and acknowledge the guests who came to speak.
Ordinarily, during an art exhibition, we allow the audience to experience the artworks and provide their own feedback.
Even if it is a one-day event, we usually keep the introduction brief and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the artworks and the atmosphere. This presentation felt more like an outdoor event, whereas in an enclosed venue, greater emphasis should be placed on the artworks themselves.
Question: What impact do you think this exhibition will have on Bayelsa’s art industry and its international visibility?
Macaulay Eteli: This exhibition will have a significant impact because it will be broadcast and will showcase what is happening in Bayelsa State.
From my understanding of Bayelsa’s participation in the visual arts, I believe we are only just beginning. I deliberately chose to establish my gallery in Yenagoa, and since 2023, I have witnessed more art exhibitions than I expected, along with encouraging public response.
What we have seen here will resonate with many people. I believe the next edition will attract a much larger audience.
This event is for everyone who loves art, but I also believe schoolchildren should be encouraged to attend. This is just the beginning, and it will continue to improve.
Question: One of the greatest joys for an artist is seeing their first artwork sold during an exhibition. Did you sell any of your works today?
Macaulay Eteli: No, not today. I did not come with the mindset that someone had to buy my artwork because I believe that is the wrong mindset for an artist attending an exhibition.
Yes, we create artworks with the hope of selling them, but the primary purpose is to exhibit them because you never know who will attend.
I learned this from experience. I once participated in an exhibition at a gallery where attendance was very low. We remained there throughout the event, and eventually someone walked in dressed very casually. He spent time talking with us and promised to return the following day. True to his word, he came back and purchased artworks worth 800 dollars.
So, you should never underestimate patrons who attend exhibitions. You respect everyone who comes, appreciate whatever support they offer, and continue your journey.
Question: How can this exhibition be improved to attract the level of international exposure Bayelsa artists need?
Macaulay Eteli: International participation in Bayelsa’s art exhibitions is essential because it will open more opportunities for both the organisers and the state.
Overall, it has been a good experience. My goal was for people to see my artworks, and that was achieved. Although there is still much to improve, this is the maiden edition, and I am grateful to have been part of it.
