Launching this month is Atelier Fifty Five, an exciting new digital space that supports the development of the African design industry and brings the work of talented designers, makers, and creatives from the continent and its diaspora to the attention of local and global audiences.

Atelier Fifty Five seeks to create increased awareness of contemporary African style, design and creativity; celebrate knowledge and the diversity in culture, heritage and creativity; connect creatives to opportunities that provide inspiration and foster trade allowing people to make a sustainable living from their craft; and challenge and change negative stereotypes of African art, design and culture.

Atelier Fifty Five founder, Tapiwa Matsinde, says about the new launch:

“I have launched a new website for Atelier Fifty Five, which serves as an informative space for African creatives and those wanting to know more about Africa's creative industry to come and learn, grow their businesses and to be inspired. The space builds on Atelier Fifty Five's editorial foundation of spotlighting established and emerging designers; and connecting them to opportunities that help raise their profile, such as being included in exhibitions, trade showcases and press features.”

The launch also sees the introduction of The Atelier Fifty Five Academy, an educational hub dedicated to helping Africa's creative entrepreneurs build strong world-class brands. The Atelier Fifty Five Academy offers a range of resources from free to paid premium bespoke services sharing my expertise in the areas of brand strategy, market research and content creation. All essential elements for increasing visibility.

Tapiwa adds:

“Because access to markets is crucial for the survival of a business, I have created The Shop at Atelier Fifty Five, which presents a beautifully curated selection of sophisticated products for contemporary living and lifestyles, sourced and hand-picked a selection of products from some of Africa’s finest design ateliers. The services I offer are born out of a deep understanding of what it is:

to be a creative and an entrepreneur on one hand, and the person's attention you are trying to attract on the other; and
to create something that has a connection to my African heritage yet is global in its outlook.

I’ve been exploring, researching, watching, and meeting the creatives who are making their mark not only in the world of African design, but on the international stage, and all these perspectives are invaluable to helping other entrepreneurs achieve the same.

The new Atelier Fifty Five launch was announced by founder Tapiwa Matsinde at the Lioness Lean In breakfast networking event, hosted by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Hogan Lovells, and held at their offices in Holborn Viaduct, London on 8 March, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Tapiwa commented at the launch event:

“Africa has amazing pool of creative talent, and it is my hope that Atelier Fifty Five will be a part of enabling many more creatives to achieve the recognition they deserve.”

Atelier Fifty Five aims to contribute to the development of Africa's design industry; to support, motivate and inspire it's creative entrepreneurs in making their mark on their local and global industries.