Sculpture Parks and Outdoor Art Installations as Public Heritage in Nigeria

Sculpture parks and outdoor art installations have the potential to democratise access to significant artworks, integrate cultural heritage into everyday urban and rural landscapes, and create destinations for cultural tourism, yet their development and management in Nigeria remains limited. This study examines existing and proposed sculpture parks and outdoor art installations in Nigeria, with detailed case study analysis of the Nike Art Gallery's outdoor sculpture space in Lagos, the Abuja National Arts Theatre precinct, and the Argungu Cultural Park in Kebbi State. Primary data are gathered from 15 park managers and curators, 20 sculptors whose works are installed, and 100 visitors through structured questionnaires and observation. The study evaluates the curatorial selection criteria for installed works, maintenance and conservation challenges, visitor engagement strategies, the use of works to communicate local cultural heritage, and funding models sustaining the parks. The theoretical framework draws on public art theory, heritage landscape management literature, and the cultural tourism scholarship. The geographic spread of the case studies across South West, North Central, and North West zones enables comparison of the institutional models and community contexts that shape outdoor sculpture programming. Recent literature on outdoor public art in Africa has highlighted the neglect of established sculpture collections due to inadequate conservation budgets. Findings are intended for the National Gallery of Art, state arts councils, and cultural tourism development organisations seeking to invest in outdoor art infrastructure. Keywords: sculpture park, outdoor installation, public art, cultural tourism, Nigeria