To Not Dream is To Die:  The Philosophies of Ugoma Ebilah

In this episode of Latitudes Podcast Refiloe Mpakanyane is joined by Lagos based art curator, gallerist and cultural convener Ugoma Ebilah. In this conversation Ugoma talks us through the skills that have enabled her to stay at the forefront of shaping contemporary discourses in African art. Whether it was through representing artists and changing the artist-gallerist dynamic; founding BLOOM Art (a gallery and salon that has been instrumental in instigating dynamic curatorial interventions and programming that has attracted a new generation of art collectors and enthusiasts) or serving on the board of trustees for G.A.S Foundation: Ugoma is a cultural producer with a deep held belief in art’s potential to be a catalyst for structural renewal, ideological innovation and societal transformation.

The conversation is the first episode in Chapter 2 of The Latitudes Podcast.

Highlights Include:

• How Ugoma’s corporate finance skills have bolstered her creative arts and cultural work.
• Brokering her first sale by selling a Lemi Ghariokwu piece. He is also famously known creating iconic record covers for Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.How to speak the language of the collector.
• Joining the Guest Artist Space Foundation’s board of trustees.
• Growing the continent’s pool of art collectors before the pool of artists outstrips them and looks to other territories for survival.

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

•  Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation a non-profit organisation established by Yinka Shonibare
• “A Tapestry of Contradictions and Convergence at the 2024 Lagos Biennial”, Artthrob feature by Sinazo Chiya(March 2024)
• The Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report 2025

Chapter 2 (connecting the stories from the continent) spans episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, and is a regionally focused exploration of the intersections between local art scenes across the continent. Featuring insights from curators, art advisors, museum directors, and gallerists; this chapter examines curatorial themes, market positioning, and unique regional dynamics.

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Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane