TES Community, NSIBIDI Project, and Armstrong Oke Agoreyo Host Successful Art Exhibition in Derby

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The recently concluded art exhibition Light in the Shadows: Stories of Hope, hosted at Banks Mill Studio, Derby, United Kingdom, has been hailed as a resounding success. Organized by TES Community and the NSIBIDI Project, with visionary contributions from Armstrong Oke Agoreyo, the three-day event drew nearly 200 attendees, showcasing the transformative power of art in fostering empathy, inclusion, and resilience.

The exhibition, which celebrated the creativity and resilience of individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEND), owes much of its success to Armstrong Oke Agoreyo. As the Coordinating Artist, Armstrong not only conceptualized the exhibition’s theme but also played a pivotal role in bringing it to life. He approached both TES Community and the NSIBIDI Project with the idea, tirelessly managing the participating artists and curating an impactful collection of works that highlighted the diversity of Derby’s artistic talent, particularly from minority communities. His leadership underscored the ability of art to bridge divides and create meaningful connections.

“Armstrong’s dedication to this project was extraordinary,” said Akindayo Akindolani, Executive Director of TES Community. “From gathering award-winning artists to ensuring that the exhibition truly represented the voices of resilience and hope, his efforts have left a lasting impact.”

The exhibition featured some of Derby’s finest talents, including Armstrong himself, alongside Ayodeji Kingsley, Chike Felix Uzoka, Ed Heron, and Orinsunayo Akinniran. Their works explored themes of healing, transformation, and identity, resonating deeply with attendees. Notably, the exhibition also included Dan Webber, an award-winning Derby-based poet and producer, whose live poetry performances added a captivating auditory element to the visual showcase.

Among the standout stories was that of Clef Skyers-Aakerstrom, whose artistic journey began after a life-altering accident. Her work became a symbol of healing and transformation, inspiring attendees and reminding them of the power of resilience.

Reflecting on the success of the exhibition, Armstrong shared:
“This exhibition was a labor of love. I am deeply grateful to the artists, TES Community, and the NSIBIDI Project for believing in the vision and for working tirelessly to make it a reality. Seeing the impact on the attendees and the connections forged through the art has been incredibly rewarding.”

The event also laid the groundwork for future initiatives. Building on its success, TES Community and the NSIBIDI Project announced plans to launch free art workshops and online training for young people in early 2025, aiming to empower creativity and support personal growth within the community.

The overwhelming success of Light in the Shadows: Stories of Hope has cemented its legacy as more than just an exhibition. It was a platform for storytelling, a celebration of resilience, and a call to action for inclusion and creativity, driven by the vision and determination of Armstrong Oke Agoreyo and the collaborative spirit of all involved.