Diaspora Star | Lanre Olagoke: The British-Nigerian Artist Using Art for Social Change

Lanre Olagoke MBE is not just an artist—he is a visionary who believes in the transformative power of art. Born in London in 1962 and raised in Nigeria, Olagoke’s artistic journey began at the young age of five. As a self-taught artist, he has dedicated his life to creating powerful, evocative works that not only capture the human experience but also serve as a tool for social impact.

Olagoke’s artistic career is deeply intertwined with his commitment to community service. In 1997, he founded the Art-Alive Arts Trust (AAAT), which officially became a registered charity in 2001. Through AAAT, Olagoke has provided access to the arts for young people from diverse backgrounds, including those in primary schools and even prisons. His goal is clear: to use art as a means of empowerment, rehabilitation, and education.

His dedication to this cause has not gone unnoticed. In January 2024, King Charles honored Olagoke with the prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award for his services to charity and young people. This recognition highlights the significant impact of his work, both in the UK and beyond. Olagoke sees this award not just as a personal achievement but as a symbol of recognition for Nigerian creatives and the diaspora at large.

Olagoke’s work goes beyond the canvas. He has been at the forefront of various initiatives that merge art with community engagement. One such example is his collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in London in April 2022, where he led the Art Alive exhibition to promote diversity and inclusion. This initiative, like many of his projects, emphasizes the importance of creativity in fostering resilience and self-expression, especially among marginalized communities.

Olagoke has also been acknowledged by notable figures in the art world. Nigerian art collector Prince Yemisi Shyllon praised Olagoke’s contributions to spreading art knowledge in the UK, placing him in the esteemed league of Nigerian artists honored with the MBE, alongside the late Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, and Yinka Shonibare. Filmmaker and art patron Bolanle Austen-Peters also celebrated Olagoke’s two-decade-long charitable work, highlighting his unwavering commitment to using art as a beacon of hope for the destitute.

For Olagoke, art is more than a profession—it is a mission. Through his foundation, exhibitions, and mentorship programs, he continues to inspire and empower the next generation of artists and change-makers. His journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

As a young artist in the 1980s, Olagoke was mentored by renowned British-Guyanese painter Sir Frank Bowling and worked closely with Nigerian art legend Ben Enwonwu. Their influence helped shape his artistic vision and his passion for using art as a force for good

Olagoke acknowledges that his achievements have been supported by his late mother, his wife, and two daughters, who have played an essential role in his journey. He also recognizes the impact AAAT has made in empowering youth, crediting the role of a donor who has supported the organization’s efforts over the years.