WHY I CREATED KORI ART AND KORI-KO ?

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO DO SOMETHING THAT I LOVE AND THAT ADDS VALUE TO COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD. SO, I CREATED TWO ENTITIES: KORI ART, AN ART NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION , AND KORI-KO, A 4C LLC.”

When I first set foot in the United States in 2004, arriving from Togo, I carried a deep passion for theater and the arts, cultivated in the streets and stages of Lomé and later refined in the creative enclaves of France. The journey that brought me to North Dakota was not merely a geographical transition but a profound personal odyssey that underscored the power of art as a universal language, a bridge across cultures, and a catalyst for community building. In Togo, my love for theater was more than a profession; it was a calling. Theater was a way to tell stories, to give voice to the voiceless, and to bring people together in a shared experience of joy, sorrow, and reflection. In France, I expanded my horizons, learning new techniques and immersing myself in diverse artistic traditions. Yet, despite these enriching experiences, I felt a pull to do something more—to create a platform where art could thrive beyond cultural boundaries and resonate with universal human experiences. This vision came to life when I established African Arts Arena, my first endeavor in the US, which served as a cornerstone for my artistic mission. However, as the years passed, I realized that my aspirations extended beyond a single organization. I envisioned a dual initiative that could encompass both a non-profit's communal spirit and a business's entrepreneurial drive. Hence, Kori Art and Kori-ko were born.

Kori Art, the non-profit arm, is my heart's response to the need for a vibrant, inclusive arts community. It is a sanctuary for artists, a space where creativity knows no bounds and cultural exchange is encouraged and celebrated. Through Kori Art, we provide a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their work, engage with the community, and collaborate on projects that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. The aim is to foster understanding and unity, to show that despite our differences, art is a common thread that binds us all.

Kori-ko, the LLC, represents my belief in the power of art as a viable, sustainable enterprise. It is about turning passion into a profession, enabling artists to create and thrive economically. Kori-ko bridges the gap between art and business, offering services that connect artists with opportunities, from performances and exhibitions to consultations and educational workshops. This dual approach ensures that while we nurture the soul through Kori Art, we also sustain the body through Kori-ko, creating a holistic ecosystem for the arts.

As a published playwright and award-winning translator, I have always been driven by the power of words and stories. As a professor, I am committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of artists and thinkers. But above all, I am someone who deeply cares about connections—connecting people to people, business to business, and ideas to ideas. Through Kori Art and Kori-ko, I strive to create a legacy of cultural richness, mutual respect, and shared growth, ensuring that the arts continue to be a beacon of hope, understanding, and prosperity for all.

Hamzat Koriko, Ph.D., Founder and CEO.

CONNECTING BUSINESSES

LOCALIZING GLOBAL ART