I got the impression that although people were making these things, they didn’t feel as though what they were making was good enough to be on a certa… - Reni Folawiyo

I decided it would be interesting to have the best stuff from all over the world along with the very best from Africa all in the same space to get people from outside Africa to see what was possible, but also to get people in Africa to understand the value of what they had. It was a bit of an education on both sides.

Alara was conceived to show the world who we are today, to share how we live and to show Africans that we have a lot to be proud of, that we create and enjoy objects of exceptional quality and beauty, to celebrate those who have done it, and to support and encourage those who wish to exchange, educate, elevate and beautify.

I used to spend a lot of time with artists and designers and I had a lot of friends that were doing creative things and I enjoyed spending time with them.