Inspired by
A reverence for hand craftsmanship
“atelier 55 celebrates the outstanding makers and organisations based on the African continent and beyond, whose work ranges from recognisable heritage influences to abstract renderings, all capturing the sophistication, vitality, diversity, and soulfulness that is defining contemporary African design & craft.”
– Tapiwa Matsinde, Founder of atelier 55
About atelier 55
atelier 55 is a digital space created to curate, connect, and celebrate the designers, artisans, and organisations shaping contemporary African design, craft, creativity, and lifestyle. Launched in 2010 by author, storyteller, curator, and consultant Tapiwa Matsinde, atelier 55 exists to promote, research, curate, consult, and source in order to connect global audiences to the best in contemporary African design.
Our values seek to…
Create
increased awareness of contemporary African style and design
Celebrate
knowledge and the diversity in culture, heritage and creativity
Connect
creatives to opportunities that provide inspiration and foster trade allowing people to make a sustainable living from their craft
Challenge
…and change the negative stereotypes and perceptions of African design, craft, art and culture
Creating a new narrative
While conversations about art and design typically allude to the continent as a homogenous whole, Africa, in fact, comprises 55 recognised states, all of which contribute differently to the continent’s creatively rich, expressive, diverse, and thriving culture. From the makeshift to the state-of-the-art, under the shade of a leafy tree or in an urban studio, the ateliers of Africa are overflowing with ingenuity and creativity;