Our Story
Ọ̀KẸ́ is a Toronto-based art initiative founded to curate exhibitions that unveil cultural riches and foster meaningful community connections through art.
At Ọ̀KẸ́, we believe art should move across spaces, into communities, and through conversations. We’re reimagining how people engage with art by curating exhibitions, events, and projects that are bold, accessible, and deeply rooted in culture.
Our name, Ọ̀KẸ́—a Yoruba word is deeply symbolic of our purpose: to reveal the cultural wealth found within diverse traditions, histories, and shared experiences.
What started as a one-off show in a neighbourhood café has evolved into a growing initiative that prioritizes emerging voices and community-building. From heritage sites to market stalls, we bring art into places where people live, gather, and dream.
We’ve proudly collaborated with organizations like STACKT Market, RADR Canada, and Loveless Cafe, and were featured on CBC’s Metro Morning for our exhibit “Hey Sis…”, a celebration of sisterhood and shared cultural memory.
We continue to expand through thoughtful programming, including artist workshops, pop-ups, and print collections. Every exhibition is an invitation to reflect, connect, and celebrate.
This is more than a gallery. It’s a living, evolving space for cultural expression.
Our Core Values
Community
We believe art thrives in connection. At Ọ̀KẸ́, we build spaces that bring people together—artists, audiences, and collaborators alike. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging, amplify underrepresented voices, and create opportunities for meaningful exchange and shared growth.
Accessibility
Art should be experienced by all. We are committed to making our programming approachable and inclusive—through thoughtful curation, mobile exhibits, and intentional outreach. Whether in traditional venues or everyday spaces, we strive to remove barriers and meet people where they are.
Culture
We honour culture in all its forms—heritage, identity, and lived experience. Our exhibitions explore the richness of diverse narratives while embracing the evolving ways people express and connect with culture. We see art as a bridge to understanding, rooted in both tradition and the present moment.
Our Mission
At Ọ̀KẸ́, we're on a mission to unveil cultural riches, showcasing our similarities and experiences in each exhibition. Our commitment is to delve into the richness of diverse cultures and build community. Fueled by a love for cultural exploration and appreciation, we aspire to share a multitude of artistic wonders with the world.
Press & Partnership
