In a historic move aimed at strengthening global cultural ties and elevating African art on the world stage, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Nigeria, and the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), United States, have launched a transformative international partnership. The collaboration seeks to promote Modern and Contemporary African Art while boosting institutional capacity through mutual knowledge exchange and professional development.

Formalized by a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024, the agreement marks YSMA’s first major international collaboration. It sets in motion a series of joint initiatives, including staff training programs, curatorial exchanges, and traveling exhibitions showcasing YSMA’s extensive collection in the United States.

Describing the partnership as a milestone, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Jess Castellote, said the initiative represents a significant step in expanding the global reach of Nigerian art. “This partnership is a major milestone in our journey to bring Nigerian art to a broader audience. By working with an esteemed institution like the TMA, we are not only building professional capacity but also affirming the place of African art in the global narrative of creativity, innovation, and heritage,” Castellote said.

The partnership also provides American audiences a rare opportunity to engage with YSMA’s collection, which spans centuries of African creativity — from ancient cultural artifacts to contemporary artistic expressions. Through the planned traveling exhibitions, the museums aim to deepen understanding of African heritage and promote global appreciation for its artistic traditions.

Adam Levine, Director and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “At the Toledo Museum of Art, we are proud to engage in a partnership that fosters mutual learning, inclusivity, and global dialogue,” he said. “This collaboration with YSMA not only enriches our understanding of African art traditions but also deepens our ability to integrate art into the lives of people — both locally and globally.”

TMA, recently named the 2025 Best Art Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, brings over a century of curatorial excellence and public engagement to the collaboration. The Ohio-based museum houses more than 25,000 works spanning antiquity to modern times and is celebrated for its world-renowned glass collection and expansive community programs.

Both institutions view the partnership as a model for future cultural diplomacy efforts, particularly at a time when global understanding and cross-cultural dialogue are crucial. By creating platforms for exchange — of art, ideas, and expertise — YSMA and TMA are laying the foundation for sustained engagement between Nigeria and the United States, anchored in shared values and the transformative power of art.