| ISPA 2026 New York Congress – Tola Akerele |
 Tola AkereleCEO Tola Akerele is the GM/CEO of the National Theatre of Nigeria, where she leads the resurgence of the country’s most iconic centre for performance arts. She oversees the strategic programming and artistic direction of a purpose-built national landmark dedicated to theatre, music, dance, festivals, and multidisciplinary performance. Under her leadership, the Theatre is evolving into a world-class performance hub that nurtures talent, strengthens cultural exchange, and drives Nigeria’s creative economy. Since her appointment, she has driven a renewed vision for the Theatre positioning it as a vibrant home for performance, creative innovation, and cross-cultural artistic exchange. Her leadership focuses on revitalising programming, expanding opportunities for performers, and strengthening the Theatre’s role as a catalyst for creative industry growth. Tola Akerele is committed to re-establishing the National Theatre as a central platform for Nigerian and African performing arts, ensuring it nurtures new talent while sustaining the legacy of established creators. Her initiatives emphasise capacity building, artistic freedom, and the development of world-class facilities that support theatre, dance, film, and multidisciplinary performance. Her broader cultural work including founding Soto Art Gallery and the +234 Art Fair, reflects a consistent dedication to nurturing creative ecosystems. This perspective enriches her mission at the National Theatre, where she is championing structures that empower artists and expand Nigeria’s cultural footprint globally. In recognition of her impact, she received the Freedom Party Award for her contribution to sustaining creative freedom and cultural heritage. Tola Akerele remains dedicated to shaping a vibrant, future-facing performing arts ecosystem for Nigeria.
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