Iqra Asif (Pakistan), Yeasmin Akhtar (Bangladesh), Kanij Fatema (Bangladesh), Fatoumata Gassama (Gambia), and Jahidul Islam (Bangladesh), driven by the disparity in representation, launched Elite Gallery in April 2023. Their mission is to uplift and showcase underrepresented artists, celebrating their vibrant creativity.
The inspiration behind founding Elite Gallery was realising the immense untapped potential among underprivileged artists. Witnessing these talented individuals' struggles in gaining recognition and fair compensation for their work ignited a passion to create a platform to bridge this gap.
Elite Gallery is not more than just an art gallery; it is a movement, a social business committed to breathing life into art and artistry. Every brushstroke carried a story; every stroke of the brush was a conduit for social change. This vision led Elite Gallery to expand beyond traditional exhibitions into creative workshops, impactful collaborations with NGOs, and partnerships with educational institutions
Elite Gallery has faced its share of challenges along the way. One is gaining the trust of artists who had been ignored for too long, which required persistent efforts and genuine connections. Bridging the gap between art and individuals with limited exposure to the world of creativity demanded innovative storytelling and outreach. However, within each challenge, Elite Gallery found an opportunity to excel. Their impactful work shone through in the transformed lives of individuals. Among them, Maya's story stood out as a beacon of hope. A student with an innate talent for painting, Maya had long hidden her artistry due to a lack of opportunity. However, Elite Gallery's commitment to empowerment gave her the courage to showcase her work, leading to a newfound recognition.
The collaboration that followed, where Maya's art graced hand-painted T-shirts, symbolised the essence of Elite Gallery's mission — to unearth potential, empower the unnoticed, and create an avenue for artistic expression.
The Elite Gallery's impact extends beyond the art world and the local community. Elite Gallery bolstered the community's creative fabric by embracing artists from diverse backgrounds and providing them a platform. Students who were once hidden gems now proudly showcased their talents on T-shirts, spreading their creative essence to all corners of society.
Gazing into the future, Elite Gallery is committed to transforming art. Their aspirations included a global reach, with art touching lives across continents. An online store and creative workshops are envisioned to inspire and educate. However, at the core of their vision, Elite Gallery remained a beacon of creativity, a place where the power of art collided with the spirit of change.