When The Macallan partnered with Kokopelli Art Gallery for a three‑day African creative celebration in September 2026, the result was a vivid blend of whisky heritage, storytelling and contemporary craft that resonated across the continent. The event, titled Epignosis I: Our Story First, spotlighted five emerging African artists from the inaugural Once Upon a Time (O.U.T) Residency, offering a fresh platform for voices that are reshaping the visual narrative of Africa. This African creative celebration demonstrated how luxury craftsmanship and indigenous artistry can coexist, creating a dialogue that transcends borders and generations. Setting the Stage: An African Creative Celebration of Heritage and Modernity The Macallan, renowned for its single‑malt Scotch, has long embraced collaborations that extend beyond the world of spirits. By joining forces with Kokopelli, a gallery celebrated for championing African talent, the partnership signalled a commitment to cultural exchange. The three‑day celebration, held at Kokopelli’s Lagos space, merged the brand’s meticulous craftsmanship with the gallery’s curatorial eye, creating an immersive environment where visitors could taste, see and feel the spirit of African creativity. The venue itself was thoughtfully designed to evoke the journey of whisky production—from barley cultivation in the highlands to distillation and aging—which mirrored the stages of artistic creation: conception, material selection, technique mastery, and final presentation. Each room in the gallery followed this narrative arc, guiding guests through thematic zones that explored identity, memory, and innovation. The Role of Whisky Heritage in Contemporary African Art Whisky, as a symbol of patience, precision and generational knowledge, served as a powerful metaphor for the artists’ own processes. The collaboration leveraged the sensory richness of Macallan’s products to deepen the emotional resonance of the visual works. For example, Aisha Bello’s layered textile collage drew on Yoruba folklore, using reclaimed fabrics to illustrate the cyclical nature of storytelling—a concept that paralleled the slow maturation of bourbon in oak barrels. Similarly, Kofi Mensah’s kinetic sculpture incorporated recycled copper wires, echoing Ghana’s gold‑mining legacy and the pulse of Accra’s bustling markets. These parallels highlight how the spirit industry’s emphasis on time-honoured methods can inspire artists to reinterpret their cultural histories through modern media. The pairing of specific Macallan expressions with individual artworks created a multisensory experience: Aisha’s earthy double cask 18‑year‑old was chosen for its caramel notes, which complemented the warmth and texture of her fabric layers, while Kofi’s metallic tones were matched with a crisp single‑cask expression whose brightness cut through the darkness of his darkened bronze forms. This intentional matching extended beyond mere aesthetic alignment—it invited viewers to consider how different cultural artifacts share underlying values of heritage preservation and transformative reuse. Spotlight on the Artists: Voices from the O.U.T Residency The heart of the celebration lay in the works of five emerging artists selected from the Once Upon a Time residency, a program that pairs African creators with international mentors. Their pieces, ranging from mixed‑media installations to digital prints, each told a personal story rooted in local heritage while speaking to global audiences. The residency itself operated over six months, providing stipends, studio space and mentorship in both visual arts and business development. Aisha Bello (Nigeria) – Her layered textile collage draws on Yoruba folklore, using reclaimed fabrics to illustrate the cyclical nature of storytelling. She collaborated closely with the Macallan master blender to ensure the choice of whiskey reflected the mood of her piece; the earthy double cask 18‑year‑old provided a grounding foundation for her narrative. Kofi Mensah (Ghana) – A kinetic sculpture that incorporates recycled copper wires, echoing Ghana’s gold‑mining legacy and the pulse of Accra’s bustling markets. He worked alongside the whisky distillery’s senior engineer to understand the science of fermentation, which informed the mechanical rhythm of his moving parts. Lebo Mthembu (South Africa) – A series of charcoal portraits that capture the resilience of township life, each figure rendered with bold, expressive strokes. His portraits were displayed alongside a small collection of locally sourced wood carvings, reinforcing the connection between organic materials and human expression. Wanjiku Njoroge (Kenya) – Digital animations projected onto reclaimed wooden panels, depicting the migration of the Great Wildebeest and its symbolism in Maasai culture. The animation loop was synchronized with ambient sounds from the East African savanna, creating an immersive environmental experience. Fatima El‑Sayed (Egypt) – An intricate glasswork installation that refracts light to mimic the shifting dunes of the Sahara, highlighting themes of endurance and transformation. The piece was illuminated by custom-designed LED fixtures supplied by a partner tech company specializing in sustainable energy solutions. Practical Insights: How the Collaboration Was Organized The execution of the event required close coordination between The Macallan’s brand team, Kokopelli’s curatorial staff, and the residents of the O.U.T residency. Key logistical decisions included the creation of dedicated viewing pods that allowed intimate audience engagement, the integration of AR (augmented reality) stations that let visitors scan artworks and access video interviews with the artists, and the establishment of a community market where local craftspeople sold goods inspired by the exhibition theme. The event also hosted a panel discussion titled “Preserving Tradition Through Innovation,” which brought together historians, artists and entrepreneurs to debate the future of African craft industries. This practical framework ensured that the celebration was not merely a showcase but a catalyst for ongoing creative and economic activity within participating communities. Storytelling Beyond the Canvas: Panels, Performances and Workshops Beyond visual art, the celebration embraced oral tradition—a cornerstone of African culture. A series of panels featured storytellers, historians and the artists themselves discussing the role of memory in creative practice. One memorable session, “From Oral to Visual: Translating Folklore,” saw Aisha Bello recount a childhood tale while demonstrating how she transformed that narrative into a tactile collage. Another panel, “Music and Memory in the Diaspora,” invited musicians to perform traditional rhythms alongside spoken-word poetry, creating a multilayered auditory tapestry that enriched the visual experience. Live performances added another dimension. A Lagos‑based Afro‑jazz ensemble provided a sonic backdrop, their improvisations echoing the fluidity of the artworks. Meanwhile, a hands‑on workshop led by Kokopelli’s resident craftsperson taught participants how to carve traditional motifs into wooden whisky barrels, bridging the gap between artisanal skill and contemporary design. Over fifty attendees participated in the carving workshop, learning techniques passed down through generations of Nigerian cabinetmakers. The workshop also included a demonstration of blockchain-based provenance tracking, a technology being piloted by The Macallan to authenticate limited-edition releases. This intersection of art, music and emerging digital tools illustrated how contemporary practices can honor ancestral methods while embracing new possibilities. Community Engagement and Sustainable Practices One of the most impactful aspects of the celebration was its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. In addition to the primary exhibition, Kokopelli established a «Creative Hub» within the gallery complex, offering free workshops for youth aged 15‑25. These sessions covered everything from basic painting techniques to digital illustration, with a curriculum co-developed by artists from the residency. The initiative aimed to build a pipeline of skilled young creatives who could continue working in the region after the event concluded. Furthermore, the celebration prioritized sourcing materials responsibly: the gallery repurposed old wooden crates and metal scraps from local suppliers rather than relying solely on new imports, thereby reducing waste and supporting small businesses. The Macallan also pledged to donate a portion of proceeds from related merchandise to a local education fund, further embedding the event in the social fabric of Lagos. Economic Impact: Empowering Artists and Local Communities While the celebration was a cultural milestone, it also generated tangible economic benefits. Sales of limited‑edition prints and handcrafted merchandise contributed directly to the artists’ incomes, offering a sustainable model for future collaborations. According to preliminary reports, the residency produced approximately 120 finished works that collectively fetched over $250,000 in sales during the event period. Additionally, the influx of tourists from across West Africa increased foot traffic in surrounding neighborhoods, benefiting local vendors such as those selling jollof‑spiced canapés, woven baskets and handmade jewelry. The Macallan’s involvement opened doors for potential partnerships with Nigerian fintech startups, exploring blockchain‑based provenance tracking for artwork — a conversation that began informally during the event’s networking evenings. This interaction hinted at larger commercial opportunities for digitally authenticated African art. Artist Development and Mentorship Programs The O.U.T residency itself operates on a two‑tiered mentorship model. First-year residents receive intensive workshops in technical skills, while second-year fellows engage in collaborative projects with international partners. The 2026 cohort included mentorship exchanges with artists from Europe, North America and Asia, broadening the participants’ perspectives. This cross-pollination was evident in the way some African artists integrated European printmaking techniques into their digital animations, while others adopted Japanese minimalism in their sculptural approaches. The residency’s goal is to produce a new generation of practitioners who can navigate both traditional craft traditions and global market demands, ensuring that African creativity remains dynamic and competitive on the world stage. Looking Ahead: The Future of African Creative Partnerships Epignosis I: Our Story First is just the beginning. Both The Macallan and Kokopelli have signalled plans for a touring exhibition that will visit Nairobi, Accra and Johannesburg in 2027, extending the platform for emerging talent. The success of the 2026 celebration underscores a growing appetite for collaborations that honour African heritage while embracing global standards of craftsmanship. Industry analysts predict that cross-cultural initiatives like this will become increasingly significant as global audiences seek authentic yet accessible representations of African creativity. The Macallan has announced a multi‑year partnership with Kokopelli to develop a permanent satellite gallery in Lagos, which would serve as a regional hub for African art and whisky culture. This long-term vision aims to institutionalize the kind of synergy that made the 2026 event possible, turning one-off festivals into sustained ecosystems of artistic exchange. FAQ When and where did the celebration take place? The three‑day African creative celebration was held at Kokopelli Art Gallery in Lagos from September 23‑25, 2026. Who were the featured artists? The exhibition showcased works by Aisha Bello (Nigeria), Kofi Mensah (Ghana), Lebo Mthembu (South Africa), Wanjiku Njoroge (Kenya) and Fatima El‑Sayed (Egypt). How can I experience the exhibition if I missed it? Kokopelli plans a touring version of the show in 2027 across major African cities; keep an eye on their official website for updates. What technologies were used to enhance the visitor experience? Augmented reality (AR) stations allow guests to view animated interpretations of artworks, while a blockchain pilot was introduced to track the provenance of limited-edition merchandise, giving collectors transparent ownership records. Did the event include any charitable component? Yes. The Macallan committed to donating proceeds from certain merchandise lines to a local education fund, and the residency provided stipends that helped cover living expenses for all participating artists. How does the O.U.T residency differ from other artist-in-residence programs? The residency integrates professional mentorship with direct collaboration on commercially viable projects, ensuring that emerging talent gains both technical skill and market readiness. Participants also contribute to public-facing exhibitions and workshops, amplifying their reach beyond the gallery walls. For a deeper dive into the celebration, read the full report on BellaNaija. 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