Team – newculturestudios.com

The new culture team

Nwoko Rufus

Director New Culture Studio

Nwoko Omotola

Oladepo Olateju

Programs Coordinator

Udome-Onyesom Omenogor

Programs Officer

Nwoko Kachi

Rufus Ofunochukwu Nwoko is a multidisciplinary artist—working across theatre, photography, and film—committed to shaping a forward-looking narrative for Nigerian art. Raised between Benin City and Ibadan, his creative voice is rooted in movement—between cities, generations, and evolving artistic forms.

As the Creative Director and Curator of New Culture Studios in Ibadan—founded by his grandfather, Demas Nwoko—Rufus approaches the space as a living institution. Its value comes not from its history alone, but from the energy of artists working, experimenting, and growing within it. Since 2017, he has cultivated the studio into a place where ideas are not just exhibited, but lived.

His work in figurative visual storytelling, especially through photography and installations, explores identity, memory, and transformation. With constructed scenes and deeply intentional compositions, he tells stories that reflect both personal experience and shared cultural memory. For Rufus, doing is an art form—a way of thinking through action, rather than waiting for the perfect moment.

He also engages with the legacies of Nigerian modernism, actively archiving and reinterpreting the works of his grandfather and the broader history of the Mbari Club and the School of Drama. The archive, to him, is not a museum—it’s material for invention, a framework to build from.

Rufus is committed to collaboration as a channel for continuity. He sees creative exchange as essential to keeping culture alive and in motion. For him, culture isn’t just performance or celebration—it’s a way of being, a way of connecting, and a shared responsibility to carry something meaningful forward.

Olateju Oladepo is a multidisciplinary artist based in Ibadan, Nigeria. Specializing in documentary and portrait photography, Olateju captures the vibrant essence of queer performance art and documents cultural events and locations, preserving stories that might otherwise go untold. His printmaking work delves into cultural nuances, bringing forgotten narratives to light and celebrating the richness of his heritage.

Olateju is deeply embedded in Ibadan’s creative scene, working with the historic New Culture Studios, where he helps provide a platform for indigenous artists to express their craft. As a community manager for the youth-focused event group The Blitz, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the city’s art and event landscape, fostering collaboration and boosting the self-esteem of young creatives. His efforts has made Ibadan a thriving hub for artistic expression and innovation.

In 2024, Olateju had his solo debut exhibition titled “Udene” at the New Culture Studios, also his short film “Egg is”, exploring themes of love and betrayal, was screened at the Ibadan Indie Film Awards (IFA), further cementing his reputation as a storyteller and visual artist. With a passion for greatness and a commitment to creating a profitable ecosystem for creatives in Ibadan, Olateju continues to push boundaries, inspire collaboration, and elevate the city’s cultural identity.

Omenogor plays a pivotal role in articulating the narrative of the studio, primarily through the creation of insightful articles, leading guided tours, and conducting rigorous research. This multifaceted approach is designed to forge a coherent connection between the studio’s historical lineage and its contemporary relevance.

Her core mission is centered on significantly increasing the accessibility of the studio’s rich history and profound cultural impact to broader and newer audiences. She achieves this by leveraging the power of compelling storytelling and emphasizing the significance of place. This intentional methodology serves to immerse visitors and readers, effectively bringing people closer to the foundational spirit and enduring heart of New Culture.