The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University has entered into a landmark partnership with the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) in the United States. This collaboration marks YSMA’s first major international alliance and represents a bold step towards amplifying the global presence of Modern and Contemporary African Art.
Formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024, this partnership brings together two non-profit, educational institutions united by a common mission: to serve communities and create meaningful impact through art. The collaboration will include a range of exciting programmes such as professional development exchanges, joint curatorial initiatives, and traveling exhibitions showcasing YSMA’s rich collection to audiences in the U.S.
YSMA’s collection spans centuries of African creativity-from ancient cultural artifacts to contemporary masterpieces-offering a unique window into the continent’s artistic heritage and innovation. Through this partnership, American audiences will have the opportunity to engage with these works in new and powerful ways, broadening appreciation and understanding of African art traditions.
Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of YSMA, emphasises the significance of this collaboration:
“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 Toledo Museum of Art, we are not only building professional capacity but also affirming the place of African art in the global narrative of creativity, innovation, and heritage.”
The Toledo Museum of Art, recently named the 2025 Best Art Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, is renowned for its curatorial excellence and public engagement. Adam Levine, Director and CEO of TMA, reflects on the partnership’s impact:
“We are proud to engage in a partnership that fosters mutual learning, inclusivity, and global dialogue. By working together, we strengthen institutional ties and cultural connections that inspire, educate, and promote access to the transformative power of art.”
At a time when cross-cultural understanding is more important than ever, this partnership exemplifies how institutions with shared values can come together to advance mutual learning, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire future generations. By creating platforms for exchange-of ideas, art, and expertise-YSMA and TMA are laying the foundation for deeper, sustained connections between Nigeria and the United States.
As this partnership unfolds, our university community looks forward to the exciting programmes, exhibitions, and opportunities that will emerge. This collaboration not only elevates the profile of African art worldwide but also enriches the cultural fabric of both nations, demonstrating the enduring power of art to bridge continents and celebrate our shared humanity.