In this episode, we have an intriguing conversation with Adora Mba, founder of ADA Contemporary Art Gallery, a commercial art space based in Accra.

Adora's journey into the art world began during her childhood, surrounded by art collectors in her family. Initially pursuing a career in journalism, she developed a passion for covering African artists, eventually leading her to establish a platform for showcasing their work.

Despite lacking a well-established art industry, Adora saw tremendous potential in Ghana as a hub for promoting African art. She recognised the need to bridge the gap between talented artists and the international art community. Ada Contemporary Art Gallery serves as a debutante ball, presenting artists to the world and providing them with the support needed to advance their careers.

The podcast delves into the challenges and opportunities in Ghana's art scene, the lack of local art appreciation, and the shift towards recognising the value of African art internationally. Adora's journey to finding a unique space for her gallery in Accra and her efforts in promoting Ghanaian art to global audiences highlight the evolving landscape of the country's art industry.

Adora delves into the fascinating world of discovering African artists and the impact of Instagram on the art industry. Previously, artists had to rely on physical portfolios and emails to reach out to galleries, but Instagram has opened up a vast virtual gallery for artists to display their creations.

The conversation sheds light on the art industry's transformation during the pandemic, with people spending more time online and exploring new artists and artworks. She recognises the impact of Instagram on the art industry, opening up a vast virtual gallery for artists to display their creations.

We discuss the artist's journey from a gallery to the open market and the challenges they face. She emphasises the importance of pricing artwork correctly and not overvaluing it prematurely, as this could lead to a rapid decline in value. Adora also stresses the need for artists to understand the business aspect of the art industry, advising them to educate themselves on art history and the market to elevate their career trajectory.

Adora discusses the challenges of establishing a strong art scene in Ghana and the need for a local buyer base. She emphasises the importance of partnerships with other galleries and curators from the continent to strengthen the African art ecosystem.

Looking ahead to the future of her gallery, Adora envisions a vibrant art institution that goes beyond a conventional gallery.

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