We’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive look at the inspiring journey of Sukai Eccleston, the visionary founder behind CasildART. In this intimate introduction, we dive into Sukai’s story and the passion that drove her to create a groundbreaking space dedicated to contemporary Black art and the celebration of Black stories, experiences, and culture.
What inspired you to establish CasildArt, and how has the organisation evolved since its inception?
CasildART was born from a fiery passion to shake up the art world! I was frustrated by the lack of representation for Black artists in fine art institutions, galleries and museums, so I decided to create a platform dedicated to raising awareness and visibility of contemporary Black art that would give agency to Black artists to amplify their stories without constraints on their creativity. I also firmly believe that through the visual arts, we can cultivate pride in ourselves and connect to our heritage. Preserving heritage is powerfully important in fostering a collective consciousness among Black communities. Although we initially began as an online and pop-up gallery hosting exhibitions across various locations in London, we opened our stunning gallery in Marble Arch this March. Our opening show was a fantastic celebration of female creative expression, showcasing 80 talented women artists.
Could you share some key milestones or achievements that CasildArt has reached in its journey so far?
We started as an online and pop-up gallery hosting exhibitions in various locations around London. Each exhibition, workshop, and collaboration was a milestone in our journey which enabled me to learn something new about myself and the business. But the dream and ambition was to have a permanent space dedicated to contemporary Black art. In March this year, we opened our beautiful gallery in Marble Arch with a fantastic show that featured 80 women artists in an amazing celebration of female creative expression. Over the years, we’ve also developed a robust internship and volunteer programme and mentorship opportunities to support young creatives.
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How does CasildArt contribute to fostering a more inclusive and supportive creative culture for Black artists?
We like to think CasildART is different from other galleries as we sit at the intersection of art, community and culture. We’re flipping the script, shaking up the status quo, and proving that art is for everyone, regardless of race, class or background. Our gallery is friendly and welcoming and if you visit us today, you’ll see an amazing collection of artworks by artists from the UK, Africa and the Caribbean.
Can you tell us about some of the challenges you’ve faced in advocating for greater representation of Black artists in mainstream art institutions?
Advocating for greater representation of Black artists in mainstream art institutions comes with its challenges. One of the main obstacles is overcoming entrenched biases and systemic barriers within the art establishment. Additionally, gaining recognition and acceptance for emerging Black artists can be a constant uphill battle. There are so few spaces like CasildART, where you can see and purchase Black art and even fewer Black-owned galleries. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to challenging these barriers and one of the ways in which we can do this is by building an ecosystem of talented creatives to support them.
What role do exhibitions, events, and educational programs play in CasildArt’s mission to champion Black creatives?
Exhibitions, events, and educational programmes are integral to CasildART’s mission. Our events showcase the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of Black artists and, importantly, tell our stories, challenge perceptions, and open minds to new perspectives. We also want people to see that investing in Black art supports the artists as well as being a smart financial move. Over the past decade, the value of contemporary Black art has grown exponentially with some works fetching over $100, 000 specifically in the secondary (auction) market. We want to make sure this is a constant upward trajectory and not just a trend.
How do you see the impact of CasildArt’s work on shaping the narrative of contemporary art in the UK?
I hope we are contributing to the conversations shaping the narrative of contemporary art in the UK. We are challenging traditional notions of what constitutes “art” and broadening the scope of artistic expression. By highlighting the breadth and diversity of contemporary Black art, we’re contributing to a more vibrant and exciting art scene. Several of the artists we have shown have gone on to have solo exhibitions including international shows so I think we must be doing something right.
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What are some exciting projects or initiatives that CasildArt is currently working on?
Currently, we’re working on several exciting projects, including collaborative exhibitions with emerging and established Black artists, mentorship programmes for aspiring creatives, and community outreach initiatives aimed at engaging diverse audiences. We’re also exploring partnerships with other organisations, such as HotPatch, to expand our reach and impact within the creative community.
Could you elaborate on the collaboration between CasildArt and HotPatch, and how it aligns with the organisation’s goals?
Our collaboration with HotPatch aligns with CasildART’s goals of making the artworld a more accessible and equitable space. Together, we’re exploring innovative ways to support emerging Black artists and creatives. For example, they can rent our gallery through the Hotpatch platform, to showcase their work and build their network of art enthusiasts and collectors. By combining our resources and expertise, we can amplify our impact and create meaningful opportunities for Black creatives – and to be frank – anyone whose goals align with ours and or considers themselves a changemaker.
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How do you envision the future of CasildArt, and what are your hopes for the Black art community in the UK?
Looking ahead, we envision CasildART continuing to grow and evolve as a leading platform for contemporary Black art in the UK and beyond. Our goal is to expand our reach, build strategic partnerships, and create more opportunities for Black artists to thrive. We hope to become a catalyst for positive change in the art world, inspiring greater diversity, representation, and accessibility.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring Black artists looking to navigate the art industry and make their voices heard?
Salvador Dali said ‘Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it’, which is pretty good advice to follow anyway. But to budding artists, I would advise:
- Practice every day – you only get better by working on your craft
- Stay true to your voice and vision, persevere in the face of challenges and try not to copy others
- Showcase your work as much as you can. Get together with artist friends and put on a show. Seek feedback -it will be invaluable to growing your practice.
- Connect with mentors and other artists.
And when you’ve made it, remember to give a hand to those coming up behind you because you know the struggle.
If you’d like to know more about CaslidArt you can read more about their incredible journey here. Moreover, to view their wonderful collection of art for sale just click here.
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