Demi Abiola (HG 1998) and Aki Abiola (1993)
Demi Abiola (HG 1998), founder of Konfluence and Diversity Officer for the OC Society, shares his reflections on Black History Month, the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, and how Hope 93 Gallery, run by his brother and fellow OC Aki Abiola (1993), is helping to make the arts more accessible by championing emerging and diverse talent.
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate achievement and consider how we create opportunities for others. In the arts, that means asking whose stories we see, whose work receives recognition, and who gets the chance to build a creative career.
For me, this is personal. My brother and fellow Old Cholmeleian, Aki Abiola, founded Hope 93 Gallery in Fitzrovia to champion emerging and underrepresented artists. Watching him build it has reinforced something I have seen throughout my career: talent needs people who believe in it and help it reach an audience.
The name honours our late father, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, whose 1993 presidential campaign in Nigeria was called Hope ’93. He campaigned for a better, more democratic Nigeria and fought for opportunities for others, particularly those less fortunate. Through the gallery, Aki honours that legacy by creating a welcoming space where artists can be seen, supported and given room to flourish.
This October, Hope 93 celebrated its second anniversary alongside the opening of a new exhibition by London-based artist Richard Ikhide. It marked two years of building connections between artists, collectors and visitors, and making the art world more accessible.
Across more than twenty years in media and advertising, and through my work in diversity and inclusion, I have seen how access shapes careers. An introduction, a commission or someone willing to champion your ideas can make an enormous difference. Representation becomes meaningful when it leads to practical opportunities.
That is why Aki’s work matters to me. Building an independent gallery takes conviction, persistence and a community willing to support it. As his brother, I am proud of what he is creating.
I would love fellow OCs and the wider Highgate community to visit Hope 93 and speak to Aki. Whether you already collect art, are considering your first purchase or simply want advice about where to begin, he would be delighted to help.
Buying a work makes a direct difference, but bringing a friend, sharing an exhibition or making an introduction also helps. Please visit, explore the work and discover what a fellow OC is building. Your support can help the gallery thrive and create lasting opportunities for its artists.
Visit Hope 93 Gallery
54 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8EF
For advice on collecting art or finding your first piece, speak to Aki at the gallery.
Email: aki@hope93.com