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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Ifeoma Dike, a Nigerian entrepreneur connecting African contemporary art and artists with the global marketplace

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Anyone working in the fine art sector, particularly in Africa, knows only too well how difficult it is to find the right platforms to showcase work and connect with potential buyers, both private and corporate. That’s where passionate art entrepreneur, Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD comes in. Her specialist art agency identifies talented artists and showcases their work to the right people in the right places.


LoA chatted to founder Ifeoma Dike recently to find out more. 

What does your company do?

We are an art agency that offers advice, curates and sources modern and contemporary fine art for corporate and private clients, as well as individuals. It is a one-stop-shop for our clients for all relevant art services from art logistics, installations, insurance, refurbishment and framing. Importantly, it creates various art events which promotes women, art and cultural exchange.

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“We are the only agency that seeks art in rural areas and off-the-beaten-paths, seeking artists with talent but who don’t have the contacts to take their work any further. We put the work of these talented artists in corporate and private spaces, in addition to linking them with curators and galleries.”

What inspired you to start your company?

The need to help and support with impact and purpose while earning a living, as well as embracing and living my passions for travel, arts and culture.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

Firstly, we are the only agency that seeks art in rural areas and off-the-beaten-paths, seeking artists with talent but who don’t have the contacts to take their work any further. We put the work of these talented artists in corporate and private spaces, in addition to linking them with curators and galleries.

Secondly, our agency not only creates alternative platforms for artists to showcase their art, but also creates an alternative income stream for artists. We pay artists nominal fees for corporate/private studio tours, to create and facilitate team-building art workshops and artists' in-conversation suppers to educate corporate staff about art. This approach have seen an increased number of young city bankers and lawyers acquiring art work for themselves, thereby supporting the arts and artists. Debunking the myth that art is only for the very rich.

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“The art world is not the easiest sector to start a self-funded art business but passion for what I do makes it worthwhile.”

Tell us a little about your team

We are a team made up various contractors, collaborators and partners.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

My journey from a self-employed psychologist to running my own art business, is not a traditional route. Though being an entrepreneur is an innate trait. The art world is not the easiest sector to start a self-funded art business but passion for what I do makes it worthwhile. Introducing the diversification of art in various collections and seeing how this has been replicated by various African art galleries, over the years, make this journey purposeful.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

To seek ways to raise the value of art from Africa and to continue to project Africa's arts and culture with dignity and respect. Most importantly taking our various clients and partners through a constant journey of cultural exchange and cultural intelligence.

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“Introducing the diversification of art in various collections and seeing how this has been replicated by various African art galleries, over the years, make this journey purposeful.”

 

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

My genuine passion for humanity, equity and fairness and the impulse to help and support people, especially the marginalized, is all the encouragement I need to make what may appear to others as impossible, possible.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Do not allow yourself to be pigeonholed as a female entrepreneur. It is imperative that women do not define their status or justify their presence. Summon courage, keep an open-mind and be dynamic.

Contact or follow IDD UK LTD

WESBSITE | TWITTER | EMAIL  idike@idduk.com


Why LoA loves it….

As a woman entrepreneur, passion for the business and the desire to realize a big vision is a key pillar for success. In the world of art curation and promotion, particularly when it comes to raising awareness of talented African artists, the passion of Ifeoma Dike to open the world’s eyes to unknown artists is what drives her and the business she has created. As a result, she is making a real difference to the lives of creatives and the clients who buy their work. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa

In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Art-preneur
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