Nigerian online marketplace to tap into Africa’s growing arts space

An online marketplace for art, dubbed The Art Cabal, is set to officially launch in October this year with the hope of attracting independent artists and gallery owners from around the continent’s growing arts industry.

Similar to US sites like Eyestorm or South African outfits, Unsung Art or Guns and Rain, The Art Cabal wants to be a platform where artists or exhibitors can leverage their presence online.

According to a recent press release, many art lovers do not have the time to appreciate and hand-pick the unique roadside artwork that African artists are promoting.

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Olawale Kolapo, the site’s founder, adds that Nigeria’s creative industry is a very unique niche:

The oil cabal in Nigeria is know as a ground of people controlling the wealth of the nation against the interests of the masses. The Art Cabal is different; it’s a group of people who have created a space where everyone can partake and it’s advantageous to everyone.

He also points out that as much as US$3.2-million in revenue is being generated by selling African artwork in the US alone.

Through its marketing-and service-driven platform, The Art Cabal will retain a commission of all art pieces sold directly through the website. The company plans to expand to other artists in African cities like Cape Town, Nairobi and Abidjan before the end of this year.

The site currently hosts a range of different artwork including paintings, sculptures and African beadwork.