The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) in Nigeria and the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) in the United States have launched a landmark cultural partnership designed to elevate the visibility of African art on the global stage and strengthen museum practice through knowledge exchange.
Sealed through a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024, the collaboration will focus on professional development, joint curatorial projects, and the presentation of traveling exhibitions from YSMA’s extensive collection in the United States.
This marks the first major international partnership for YSMA and signals a bold step in promoting Modern and Contemporary African art worldwide. The Toledo Museum of Art, a century-old institution recently named the USA TODAY 2025 Best Art Museum, brings significant curatorial and operational experience to the table.
“This is a pivotal moment for us,” said Jess Castellote, Director of YSMA. “Partnering with a globally respected institution like TMA helps us build professional skills while presenting African art as a vital part of the international cultural conversation. Our mission is to make Nigerian creativity more accessible and recognized.”
The partnership will also involve mutual staff training programs and academic exchanges, enabling both museums to benefit from each other’s strengths. American audiences will be introduced to centuries of African creativity through curated exhibitions featuring YSMA’s diverse collection—from historic artifacts to modern expressions.
TMA Director and CEO Adam Levine expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, calling it “a bridge between cultures.” He added: “This partnership enhances our ability to tell inclusive global stories through art. Working with YSMA allows us to engage more deeply with African traditions while promoting a shared vision of education, access, and cultural understanding.”
Beyond exhibitions and education, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to using art as a tool for international dialogue. Both institutions see this initiative as a model for future global museum collaborations that advance cultural diplomacy and nurture sustainable connections between continents.
Through this alliance, YSMA and TMA hope to inspire new audiences, preserve artistic heritage, and pave the way for a richer exchange of ideas and artistic excellence between Nigeria and the U.S.
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