Recognizing Proven Local Creative Capacity in Public Art and Cultural Installations an Issue Cross River stakeholders meant to look at.
As a public affairs analyst who closely follows creative development and cultural initiatives in Cross River, I write to respectfully raise an important issue regarding the treatment and inclusion of local creative capacity in public art and festive installations across the state.
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In recent years, locally based fabricators and artists have delivered notable large-scale installations in Calabar, particularly at the Destination Cross River Roundabout, Rabana Roundabout, Atimbo Roundabout and other key public spaces. For instance, the works executed in 2023 and 2024, in particular, were widely praised for their creativity, durability, cultural relevance, and timely completion. Public response during these periods demonstrated a strong emotional connection to the installations, with many residents identifying them as symbols of the season and the city’s creative identity.
These outcomes clearly indicate that the required technical skill, craftsmanship, and project delivery capacity exist within the state. The success of these locally executed projects makes it difficult to sustain claims that such work cannot be handled competently by creatives based in Cross River.
It is therefore concerning to observe a growing shift toward imported installations in more recent cycles, despite the proven performance of local fabricators in previous years. This shift raises legitimate questions about consistency in policy and evaluation, especially when locally executed works have, in the past, met expectations within shorter timelines and with strong public approval.
This letter is not written in opposition to innovation or external collaboration. Rather, it is an appeal for balance, fairness, and institutional memory. When local creatives have demonstrated excellence—as they did in 2023 and 2024—that performance should inform future decisions and not be quietly set aside.
I respectfully urge stakeholders to reflect on recent history, acknowledge what has worked well, and ensure that future decisions are guided by evidence, fairness, and long-term value to the state.
Cross River has the talent. The results have been seen. What remains is the consistency to build on that success.
Respectfully,
Efio-Ita Nyok
A Public Affairs Analyst
