Developing an Original Theory of Creative Identity Formation Among Nigerian Artists in Diaspora Contexts

Nigerian artists in diaspora contexts navigate complex identity formation processes in which national origin, ethnic heritage, host country cultural environment, transnational creative networks, and global art market positioning interact to shape both personal creative identity and public artistic persona, and developing an original theory of this formation process contributes to both creative arts identity theory and diaspora studies. This study developed an original theory of creative identity formation among Nigerian artists in diaspora contexts, drawing on fieldwork with Nigerian artists in the United Kingdom and the United States. A grounded theory methodology was employed over 24 months, conducting in-depth interviews with 45 Nigerian-origin artists living and working in London, Manchester, New York, and Houston across visual arts, music, theatre, and film. Constant comparative analysis generated theoretical constructs through iterative cycles. The original Nigerian Diaspora Artist Identity Formation Theory proposes three sequential but recursive phases: identity disruption, strategic negotiation, and integrative synthesis. Five theoretical mechanisms were identified as operating across phases including cultural currency management, community witness seeking, ancestral aesthetic anchoring, cosmopolitan positioning, and return orientation. Expert review by 20 specialists confirmed the model's originality and applicability. The study recommends the framework as a foundation for supporting diaspora Nigerian artists through culturally specific career development counselling and institutional recognition strategies.

Keywords: diaspora creative identity, Nigerian artists, grounded theory, transnational identity, diaspora arts