Nigeria-Born British artist, Lanre Olagoke’s 27-year-old humanitarian work through art, recently was rewarded by King Charles in his New Year’s Honours list. Olagoke, who is one of the latest recipients of the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), has also assured creatives that his MBE award will strengthen African diaspora creativity. Olagoke, artist and founder of Art-Alive Art Trust (AAAT) was announced among over 1,200 awardees that made the list of King Charles New Year’s Honours .
A statement released on the awards explained that Olagoke was honoured with Member of the Order of the British Empire for his Art-Alive Art Trust (AAAT), in “services to charity and young people”. The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak described the awardees as those with the high level of compassion to the society. Over 1,200 recipients are on the main list, announced by the Cabinet Office.
One of Africa’s top art collectors, Prince Yemisi Shyllon noted that Olagoke deserved the MBE honour for “his effort in spreading art knowledge on the streets of the U.K.” The Lagos, Nigeria-based art collector who is the founder of Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF) expressed his delight that “Olagoke has joined the league of Nigerian artists honoured with MBE like the late Aina Onabolu, the late Ben Enwonwu and Yinka Shonibare.”
Prince Shyllon, however, advised Olagoke to ensure that what earned him the award is extended to Nigeria. “Onabolu, Enwonwu and Shonibare, all used their skills to the benefits of Nigeria, and I hope that Olagoke will do the same by coming to the country of his birth, Nigeria and give back to the art community here,” Shyllon stated.
In celebrating the award of Olagoke, filmmaker and art patron, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said: “This is very deserving with over two decades of charitable activities and his commitment to art, he has faithfully and steadfastly represented Nigeria abroad. He has used art as a beacon of hope for the destitute thereby giving them a sense of purpose and fulfilment.”
From Dr Bonnie Greer OBE, playwright, critic and former deputy chair of The British Museum: “Lanre Olagoke believes that his achievement is not only for himself but also for the youth and future generations. He recognizes the importance of inspiring and uplifting the younger generation through his accomplishments. This recognition of Lanre Olagoke’s achievements highlights his significant contributions to the art world and his commitment to empowering young creatives from underprivileged backgrounds.”
As a self-taught painter, Olagoke founded Art-Alive Art Trust, as a charity in the UK, in 1997 to help young people in various settings from primary schools to prisons, access the arts.
“The MBE award is a significant recognition not just for me, but for Nigerian creative professionals and the diaspora who tirelessly work away from home, contributing to the world of arts and culture,” Olagoke stated.
“It symbolises the achievements and contributions made by individuals like yourself, honoring their dedication and talent.” He explained that his MBE is not only a reflection his personality, but collection of supports from others. “My MBE is also a tribute to my late mother, my wife, and two daughters who have supported and inspired my career.”
Olagoke acknowledge the impact made on the lives of the youths involved with AAAT, highlighting the importance of nurturing and empowering the future generation.He enthused that “this honor from the King is a testament to my commitment to leaving a lasting legacy for life.” And whatever Art-Alive has achieved in empowering the youths, in the last few years, a donour, he disclosed, has played a strong part.
As a young artist, in the 1980s, Olagoke had the privilege of being mentored by renowned British Guyanese painter, Sir Frank Bowling and the late Enwonwu. He worked closely with Enwonwu in his studio during the 1980s.
