Esther Moyomola Oludare, International student at the University of Sunderland, has retuned to her roots through her work with one of West Africa's largest art galleries, looking into how it supports sustainable production of Nigeria's iconic tie-dye fabric, Adire.
As part of her Masters of Business Administration, Esther wanted explore how Nike Art Gallery in Osogbo supports sustainable production of the Nigerian ancient art of Adire - combining her passion for arts, culture and business - for her final year project.
Born in Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria, Esther came to the university in February 2023. Earlier this month, she was one of the many thousands of students that celebrated their success, and took to stage at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, receiving their degrees in the Summer Graduation Ceremonies that occurred between the 8th to 12th of July. Esther graduated from her Masters with distinction.
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Esther spoke of how her project idea came out: "My interest in textiles and fashion is the reason I chose the Nike Art Gallery for my project because it is a pioneer of Adire. I learnt the importance of culture and the benefit of sustaining the Adire business, an indigenous craft mostly in the Western part of Nigeria, Osun, Osogbo."
Before attending University in Sunderland, Esther previously graduated with a degree in Fine and Applied Art (Textiles) from the University of Delta in Abraka, Nigeria, in 2017, so had a well-established background already in textiles.
Esther chose to focus on the production of Adire - a textile usually dyed indigo symbolising the culture of Yoruba People and used traditionally for Nigerian special occasion outfits. It's popularity in the textile industry, made up of small independent traders who are considered entrepreneurs and artists for the products, is what caught Esther's attention and exploration into environmental sustainability and what support was available to business owners.
The Nike Art Gallery, established in 1983, was originally opened as a safe haven for young women, who were taught how to create art for a living, and has since trained thousands of young Nigerians, as well as hosting international scholars and researchers.
Esther's research highlighted many ways Adire was produced sustainably: "The gallery was helping in many ways, such as providing free training for students in the art of Adire, student empowerment programmes which builds more confidence in people, especially women, and using gas instead of burning charcoal in the Adire production process. Also exhibiting and selling students work in other countries. All these practices create job opportunities, especially for women, as well as promoting the culture."
"Working on this project was a really lovely period for me," Esther said, who although was unable to travel to the gallery, conducted her research from Sunderland successfully virtually. "Everyone taking part was very cooperative. By choosing a topic and area I'm passionate about - resulted in me receiving an excellent grade for my project."
Lawal Saheed, manager of the Nike Art Gallery in Osogbo, said: “Esther worked hard and persevered to achieve her goal. We would welcome her any time and we are always here if she needs support as she moves forward in her career.”
Lecturer in Professional Practice at the University of Sunderland's Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism, Ashleigh Blackwood spoke of Esther's achievements: "They make our University proud. Her excellent MBA research project, which focuses on sustainability in the Adire textile industry and the role of cultural arts and heritage organisations in supporting business growth in Nigeria, helps us to understand contemporary entrepreneurship."
"Her work sits alongside the growing research expertise of our staff, and also contributes to our University's dedication to supporting small businesses across the globe. I hope her work serves as an inspiration to our current and prospective students who want to bring their creativity into business research and develop an exciting future career."
Esther is now hoping to put her background and experience towards a new venture, and is working towards setting up her own fashion business.
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