Akoje Residency: Maro Itoje, Khalil Akar, and the Kings Foundation supporting African Artists at Dumfries House
Rugby player Maro Itoje and gallery director Khalil Akar first crossed paths in 2019. Itoje, who had initially immersed himself in African art as a collector, decided to further venture into the art world and was connected with Akar, then director of the Signature African Art gallery.
Following the success of their 2021 group show "A History Untold”, they began brainstorming bigger projects. Noting the lack of availability when it came to affordable African art on the international market, they created the Akoje Gallery to promote up-and-coming artists from the continent. This effort ultimately led to the creation of the Akoje Residency, designed to “give back” and empower artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora by providing them with the space and resources needed to develop their practices.
Khalil Akar (left) and Maro Itoje (right). Photo Courtesy: David Wayt
The residency found a perfect home at Dumfries House, a historic estate in Ayrshire, Scotland. Dumfries House was acquired by the King's Foundation in 2007 to save a unique collection of 18th-century Thomas Chippendale pieces, and to regenerate the area. Extensive restoration efforts have been carried out across the estate, transforming it into a centre for traditional skills and crafts. These initiatives have helped revive the local economy and now promote creative industries in an area that had long struggled after the decline of coal mining.
The partnership with Dumfries House highlights shared values of community, craftsmanship, as well as a passion for the creative arts. Launched at the start of 2024, the collaboration offers artists new experiences and opportunities, allowing their works to travel beyond national borders. As Maro explains, “When you go to Africa, you see the art scene—whether it’s in the North, South, East, or West—full of talent, but they don’t quite get the recognition they deserve.” The Akoje Residency seeks to change that by providing a platform that offers growth and global recognition, enabling all people involved to become ambassadors of their respective practices.
Akoje welcomes eight artists each year in an estate that offers more than just its lush greenery. Best described as a vibrant ecosystem where tradition and innovation meet, it brings a wide range of skills ranging from stonemasonry and textiles to drawing and sewing. It pushes artists to stretch their creative boundaries in new directions and triggers cross-cultural conversations. The Akoje Residency goes beyond creative development. It also provides artists with the business acumen needed to navigate the art industry, Khalil explains. The residency has put together a curriculum covering topics such as pricing and sales to better understand the market. This business mentoring, a valuable perk of the program, is designed to help artists grow beyond their craft by teaching them how to sustain their careers when returning to their home countries.
Simon Sadinsky. Photo Courtesy: David Wayt
Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director at The King’s Foundation, captures the essence of Dumfries House and the residency in one word: community. “This is a community project, it’s filled with creative, industry, and local communities” he says. Dumfries House has a strong history and a mission to keep traditional craftsmanship alive. It provides a holistic environment where contemporary African artists can learn from others while sharing their own practices. “What will be transformational about this collaboration is that it will create a new community within this space, sharing knowledge and skills with those who might not have otherwise had exposure” Simon adds.
In September 2024, Akoje will welcome two new residents, Kelly Omodamwen from Nigeria, and Sisqo Ndombé Akisieful (also known as Lenoir) from Democratic Republic of Congo, who will spend the next three months in Ayrshire.
Kelly Omodamwen. Photo Courtesy: TheGuardian Nigeria
Kelly Omodamwen was drawn to the creative path from a young age, having spent countless hours in his grandfather’s studio. He completed diplomas in general art and industrial design between 2015 and 2018 with a distinction in sculpture. Kelly blends culture with innovation, and explores themes linked to Benin art and contemporary issues. “In the economy we find ourselves, art isn’t appreciated as much as the artist and community would want it to be,” Kelly says, highlighting the challenges of being an artist in Nigeria. “Let me be where my work is, let me go where my work goes” he adds, showing his desire to really immerse himself in a market that has shown interest in his practice in the past.
Sisqo Ndombé Akisieful. Photo Courtesy: Suboart Magazine
Lenoir, who started nurturing his artistic talent as early as the age of ten, grew up surrounded by mural painters before formalising his art education when he was 25 years old. At the time, the art market in Kinshasa, Congo, was in early stages of development, making it difficult for artists to earn a living. To support himself, Lenoir learned infographics and worked in a print shop for ten years. Despite having a full-time job, he never stopped being an artist. “I was even painting during the night” he recalls while explaining how he also created a website to showcase his works. Finally, in 2019, he decided to focus on his artist career full-time. His practice is deeply rooted in the daily lives of the African people, particularly the Congolese. By painting with his fingers instead of brushes, Lenoir creates beautiful, textured shades that add layers of meaning to his work. His latest body of works is characterised by cracks in his paintings to symbolise the struggles and injustices faced by his community. “It is really important to me; it represents what we see every day in Africa” Lenoir says.
The impact of the residency is perhaps best illustrated by the experience of Oliver Enwonwu (son of the late Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu), a former resident. During his time at Dumfries House, Oliver not only worked on multiple pieces featured in his May 2024 show in London but also became an active member of the local community. He fully embraced the opportunities available, forming connections that extended beyond his art projects. “Everything was of interest, everything was an opportunity to really get stuck into. He joined community knitting classes every week” Simon recalls with a smile.
In many ways, the Akoje Residence is transforming Dumfries House into more than just a historic estate: it further enriches its creative program while providing a holistic growth experience for African artists. Nestled in the Scottish countryside, it is a dynamic space where heritage and contemporary art meet, where diverse cultures come together, and where African artists can find new inspirations. The Akoje residency amplifies the narrative of African art beyond the continent’s borders, and promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural heritages.
Many thanks to Maro Itoje, Khalil Akar, Simon Sadinsky, Kelly Omodamwen, and Sisqo Ndombé Akisieful on behalf of MADE IN BED.
Lylia Hafiz
Agents of Change Co-Editor, MADE IN BED