Our Mission
Anyen Iyak Foundation for Art and Culture aims to preserve the culture, heritage, and art of the indigenous peoples of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Our objectives include promoting artistic development in the region, establishing educational programs that engage indigenous people with regenerative and sustainable practices, and creating job opportunities for local residents through arts-based initiatives. Anyen Iyak seeks to be the center of art, culture, and heritage for the Akwa Ibom people by capturing, preserving, and educating the world about their indigenous people, art, and cultures. We believes that for development to be sustainable, it must foster protection and rehabilitation of ecological systems, improve economic efficiency, and enhance the well-being and cultural diversity of the population. Anyen Iyak is working in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, SDG 4 on quality education, and SDG 9 on innovative and information approaches.
Our Why
Globalisation and modernity are rapidly changing the environment we live in and present a significant threat to indigenous cultures, art and heritage. The Akwa Ibom people are rich in language, art and culture and the region has been grossly affected by this global shift. We are facing a lack of cultural continuity and there is a lack of adequate heritage preservation institutions to push artistic/cultural growth within and beyond our biospace. There is also significant lack of opportunities for progressive art education and little to no local or national artistic institutions that promote development and growth amongst artists in this region. . Anyen Iyak Foundation for Art and Culture aims to counteract this threat by preserving and promoting the rich indigenous culture and art of the Akwa Ibom people. We are committed to using dynamic curatorial and innovative educational initiatives to engage both local and global audiences.
Executive Team
Christopher Udoh
Chief Executive Officer
Ekwueme Divine Adaeze
Dir. Project Operations
ose Imhansoloeva
Dir. Finance
Board of Directors
Boni Akpan
Board Member
Aisha Aliyu-Bima
Board Member
Clive Allanso
Board Member
Council of Governors
Operations Team
Okwong Norma Blessing
Ass. Project Operations
Dinma Hillary
Brand & Communications.
Anyen Iyak: Seeing All- Past, Present, and Future
Just before leaving for Italy, I visited my wise friend, 90% blind. Deep within, I knew it would be our last encounter. In our usual banter, she posed a strange question: “Have you ever seen a fish eye closed in life or death?” Intrigued, I thought about it. “No,” I replied. She then revealed that fish, unlike other animals, never close their eyes, symbolizing their ability to see all – **past, present, and future.** Nearly a year later, as I searched for a name for the foundation dedicated to preserving Akwa Ibom’s diverse indigenous art and cultures, the fish eye analogy resonated. It embodied the foundation’s essence – an ever-watchful eye, witnessing the past, present, and future of these precious legacies. It would be a symbol that would never close, even in the face of change or loss. My friend passed away last year, confirming the premonition I felt during our last meeting. Her wisdom, though veiled by blindness, could see beyond the present, even envisioning the future I would create. This experience resonates with the African proverb: “What a child sees climbing a tree, an elder sees sitting on a stool.” And so, we became Anyen Iyak, “Fish Eye” in Ibibio. We see our **PAST**, as we bring it to the **PRESENT**, in order to carry it to the **FUTURE**. Our eyes will never be shut in life or death. We are forever preserving the spirit of Akwa Ibom’s artistic heritage. – **Chris Udoh, Founder.**
