Graffiti was once considered a form of disruption, gang activity and vandalism. But over recent years, street art has gained ground and it’s now formally accepted as a way of expression and positive communication. Osa Okunkpolar, known as Osa Seven, is a Nigerian graffiti artist who uses street art and graffiti to effect positive change in Nigeria. Together with entrepreneurs Adaora Mbelu and Akinlabi Akinbulumo, Okunkpolar established a non-profit organisation called Art For A Cause with the aim of using street art to inspire a generation.
Okunkpolar’s work is featured on walls, canvas, cars, shoes and posters. He has also collaborated with brands like Kia. Art For A Cause (ACC) is a platform the three creatives plan to use to inspire and educate the public. The campaign kicked off in 2016 and was built on the principle that people should do things for themselves and not solely depend on the government to develop their surroundings.
So far, the platform has plastered and painted educational artwork on walls in two Public Schools within Lagos. “In addition, we spent time with the kids, conducting a Spelling Bee, Teaching the importance of Nutrition and Exercise, as well as gave out Merchandise, Books, Bags, Crayons, and Drawing Books,” reads the team’s Go Fund Me page.
Okunkpolar and his team believe that donating money and resources is not enough. They believe that great change comes with dedicating your time.
The ACC is driven by the understanding that art is a powerful medium to capture minds and hearts.
