In a strategic move aimed at revitalising arts and culture reporting in Nigeria, prominent journalist and author Mr Anote Ajeluorou has unveiled a significant transformation for his online news platform. Formerly known as AnoteArtHub, the platform has now been rebranded as TheArtHubNg (www.thearthubng.com), signaling a commitment to usher in a new era of engaging cultural discourse.
The decision to rebrand comes as a deliberate effort to depersonalize the platform and foster increased engagement from industry stakeholders, including contributions and advertorials. Mr. Ajeluorou, known for his acclaimed children’s book “Igho Goes to Farm” and poetry collection “Libations for Africa,” believes that this rebranding will position TheArtHubNg for greater efficiency and more extensive involvement within the culture sector.
One of the standout changes in this transformation is the adoption of green as the platform’s theme color, a choice made to coincide with Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary. This color selection reflects TheArtHubNg’s commitment to celebrating the vibrancy of Nigeria’s arts and culture sector.
AnoteArtHub initially emerged in 2021 as a response to the dwindling space for arts and culture reporting in mainstream Nigerian newspapers. Arts reporters and editors struggled to secure adequate coverage, resulting in stale reportage of cultural events. Following Mr Ajeluorou’s departure from The Guardian, where he served as Arts Editor and Head of Politics, AnoteArtHub was born at the Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF) and has since modestly succeeded in its mission.
With the rebranding to TheArtHubNg, Mr. Ajeluorou envisions a brighter future for the online news platform. He believes that Nigeria’s dynamic arts and culture sector deserves comprehensive exposure, which TheArtHubNg is uniquely positioned to deliver through robust reporting and in-depth reviews of cultural productions across the country.
Despite economic challenges, Mr Ajeluorou remains committed to TheArtHubNg’s mission of disseminating accurate information about the vibrant arts and culture sector, both to Nigerians and the global community. He urges industry stakeholders, including producers, writers, directors, painters, musicians, and consumers of arts and cultural products, to take ownership of TheArtHubNg. Their active engagement, whether through comments, reviews, or contributions, is vital in shaping the platform’s role as a voice for the entire creative sector.
As Nigeria’s literature, film, theatre, music, dance and festivals continue to garner global recognition, TheArtHubNg aims to progressively showcase the nation’s arts and culture through timely, diligent, and conscientious reporting, making it a daily destination for cultural enthusiasts and stakeholders alike.