Join us in making a positive impact

March 28, 2024

From Ladekoju Arts and Culture Foundation

Ẹ káàbọ̀ (Welcome Home)

Dear Friends & Family,

As we embark on another chapter of our journey at the Ladekoju Arts and Culture Foundation, we are filled with immense gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our cause.

At the heart of our foundation lies a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our community. From our mission to our vision, every endeavor we undertake is driven by the desire to inspire, educate, and empower individuals through the transformative power of art and culture.

As we look ahead, we are thrilled to share with you the exciting projects and initiatives we have in store, including the revitalization of the Osun Heritage House serving as a shrine, learning center and living museum in Nigeria — a significant endeavor that embodies our dedication to honoring our traditions while embracing progress and innovation.

None of this would be possible without the generosity and passion of our community, investors and supporters. Your belief in our mission fuels our determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We invite you to continue with us on this journey as we strive to create, connect, and inspire. Together, we can make a lasting impact and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you for being a vital part of the Ladekoju Arts and Culture Foundation family.

Chief Princess Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi Chairperson and Cultural Elder

D.Kwayera Osunyemi Omoluwabi Archer Board Trustee & Managing Director
Ladekoju Arts and Culture Foundation

RESTORING HERITAGE, RENEWING SPIRIT

THE VISION OF LADEKOJU ARTS AND CULTURE FOUNDATION

At the heart of the Ladekoju Arts and Culture Foundation lies a profound commitment to restoring Isese values for the upliftment of humanity and the environment.

Guided by core values of community-centeredness, accessibility, humility (Omoluabi), and a dedication to creativity and resourcefulness, the foundation embarks on a transformative journey to revitalize our cultural heritage.

Our mission aligns with UNESCO’s recognition of the erosion of traditional practices during colonial rule. Through education, documentation, and community service, we serve as catalysts for positive change, ensuring that future generations inherit not just a building, but a legacy of pride, knowledge, and connection to our roots.

TRANSFORMING TRADITION INTO TOMORROW

Our Osun Heritage House Restoration Initiative stands as a testament to our commitment, with its impact reverberating across physical, cultural, and spiritual realms.

This initiative isn’t just about renovating a building; it’s about renewing sacred art traditions, preserving spiritual and agrarian techniques, and nurturing a sense of cultural continuity and resilience.

INITIATIVE SPOTLIGHTS: CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT AND PAVING THE PATH FOR RENEWAL

In the past years, the Ladekoju Arts and Culture Foundation has made significant strides in its mission to restore and celebrate our cultural heritage. From securing legal counsel to onboarding a skilled team and establishing a globally accomplished Board of Directors, 2021 marked a year of foundational growth.

In 2022, our vision expanded with the acquisition of a five-thousand-square-foot building behind the heritage house, facilitating necessary expansion to facilitate the community vision. Additionally, the creation of a transition building to house families and sacred artifacts during restoration laid the groundwork for future endeavors. Noteworthy initiatives, such as the trailer created by our filmmaker Siji Awoyinka, underscored the importance of restitution in both tangible and intangible forms.

In-person elders retreats in Osogbo along with the inaugural Board retreat brought together diverse voices from Nigeria, the Caribbean, and the United States, highlighting the coordinated nature of Ladekoju’s enterprises and our commitment to inclusive decision-making.

A pivotal moment in our history arrived with the launch of the Ladekoju Osun Heritage House Restoration Initiative in March 2023. Supported by esteemed partners such as Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, ABFR & Co Law Firm, and Open Society Foundations, this initiative marks a transformative step towards realizing our vision.

Studio Contra, a renowned Nigerian architectural and design firm, has been selected as the lead designer for this ambitious project, bringing unparalleled expertise and creativity to the table.