Kaltume Bulama Gana

Kaltume Bulama Gana is a Nigerian visual artist, cultural administrator, and advocate for arts‑led development. She is the first female Artistic Director and CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN), appointed in January 2024. She is also the founder of the Herwa Heart of Art Initiative, focusing on arts‑based support for women and children affected by conflict. Her work spans painting, murals, mosaics, public monuments, arts therapy, and cultural innovation.

Early life and education Born in Kano State, Gana hails from Yobe State and is the daughter of Alhaji Bulama Gana (Late) and the younger sister of Nigerian Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana. She has participated in multiple solo exhibitions, including at the British Council (Kano, April 1987), Alliance Française (Kano, December 1987), and International Women’s Day (Kano, March 1988), as well as numerous group shows at ABU, Zaria and the National Theatre in Lagos. Her works include the painting Queen Amina (commissioned for Zumunta Association, Washington DC). In 2023, she became the zonal coordinator North-West, National Gallery of Arts.

National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) In January 2024 she was appointed Artistic Director/CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria,