By Joy Joseph
In the heart of Ibadan, a beacon of hope and creativity emerged from one of the world’s most challenging periods, the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 10, 2020, renowned textile artist Prince Tunde Odunlade established a gallery not just as a space for art, but as a sanctuary for community healing and cultural revival.
Having previously founded successful initiatives like the Tunde Odunlade Artists Cooperative Gallery, the Tunde Art Centre, and the Tuki Memorial Art Centre, Odunlade is no stranger to nurturing young talent. But this new gallery was born out of a deeper, more urgent need.
“During the lockdown in 2019 and 2020, people were isolated, bored, and unhappy. The threat of COVID-19 and the restrictions took a toll on people’s wellbeing. I wanted to create a place where people could still socialise, even with physical distancing. A place of comfort.”Odunlade explained.
The result was more than just a gallery, it was a creative refuge, a space where art met resilience.
Beyond providing emotional and mental relief during the pandemic, the gallery was also a response to the economic struggles faced by artists.
Odunlade said, “Artists need opportunities to showcase and sell their works in order to survive. Without that, they face hunger and discouragement. At the same time, many people find joy and sanity in having art in their spaces.”
With this dual mission: uplifting artists and restoring joy in the community—the gallery has since blossomed into a vibrant cultural hub. It now hosts not only visual art exhibitions, but also music performances, poetry readings, dramatic productions, and creative workshops that draw participants from across and beyond Ibadan.
The Tunde Odunlade Gallery stands as a powerful reminder of how art can heal, connect, and inspire, especially in the most uncertain times.
