Growing up in Elmina, twins Bernice and Belinda Arthur ’26 were exposed to African storytelling through music, textiles, and local histories. As they deepened their understanding of their Ghanaian heritage, they felt a responsibility to preserve and celebrate these stories. That commitment became the foundation for Orà duku, a project designed to support African artists and designers by connecting their creative work to meaningful economic opportunity.

Orà duku is an emerging platform that blends storytelling, media, and commerce to give visual artists greater visibility and a stronger market presence. The Arthurs observed that many creators struggle to communicate the stories behind their work, which limits their ability to build audiences, gain recognition, and earn sustainable incomes. Their solution pairs each artwork or fashion piece with a narrative context, helping audiences understand the inspiration, identity, and cultural meaning embedded in each creation.

“Each step is teaching us about venture development, including risk management, resource allocation, and strategic planning,” Belinda Arthur explained. To deepen their learning, the twins piloted the Orà duku Circle, a gathering where creators shared their work, tested ideas, and exchanged feedback. Insights from the event continue to shape the platform’s design.

Looking ahead, the team plans to formalize operations, refine the platform, host curated showcases, and expand the community of artists it serves. “Stories carry identity and value,” Bernice Arthur shared. “When creatives can tell their stories, they create opportunities for themselves and others.”