Tilga Foundation
OUR HISTORY
Founded by Wole Bakare, Tilga launched its first initiative supporting the Arts in partnership with the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art in Lagos, Nigeria, providing thousands of high-quality art prints to visiting high school students.
In collaboration with Rele Art Foundation, Tilga Art Prize was established in 2020 awarding grants to five emerging Nigerian artists in its first edition.
Preceding its work in the arts, Tilga Scholarships established in 2010 in honor of Wole’s father, Tola Bakare, have provided financial support to college students at several United States institutions including University of California, Riverside, Tuskegee University, The Ohio State University, and Rhode Island School of Design.
OUR IMPACT
Transforming Potential Into Lasting Opportunity
For more than sixteen years, Tilga Foundation has invested in the promise of students and emerging African artists. We have supported more than 30 college students, funded 45 internships for college students, and awarded the Tilga Art Prize to 21 artists across Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.
Through scholarships, grants, residencies, mentorship, exhibitions and international visibility, Tilga removes barriers and creates the opportunity, community and confidence young people need to grow and thrive.
About Tilga Fund
Our History
Founded by Wole Bakare, Tilga launched its first initiative supporting the Arts in partnership with the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art in Lagos, Nigeria, providing thousands of high-quality art prints to visiting high school students.
In collaboration with Rele Art Foundation, Tilga Art Prize was established in 2020 awarding grants to five emerging Nigerian artists in its first edition.
Preceding its work in the arts, Tilga Scholarships established in 2010 in honor of Wole’s father, Tola Bakare, have provided financial support to college students at several United States institutions including University of California, Riverside, Tuskegee University, The Ohio State University, and Rhode Island School of Design.
Our Impact
Transforming Potential Into Lasting Opportunity
For more than sixteen years, Tilga Foundation has invested in the promise of students and emerging African artists. We have supported more than 30 college students, funded 45 internships for college students, and awarded the Tilga Art Prize to 21 artists across Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.
Through scholarships, grants, residencies, mentorship, exhibitions and international visibility, Tilga removes barriers and creates the opportunity, community and confidence young people need to grow and thrive.
TILGA + EXCEL+
Developed in partnership with the University of California, Riverside, Excel+ prepares students for success beyond the classroom. Through leadership development, career preparation, mentorship and practical learning experiences, the program helps students build the skills, confidence and professional connections needed for long term career advancement. Tilga Foundation provided the funding to bring the program to life.
UCR Excel + Student Enrollment
About Wole Bakare
Wole Bakare has more than 25 years of experience in the cable and telecommunications industry and currently oversees operational performance for Spectrum’s West Region, covering Southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Wole Bakare has served on the UC Riverside Foundation Board of Trustees since 2018 and served as chair from 2024 through 2026. He joined the Denver Art Museum Board of Trustees in 2024.
Beyond his professional career, Wole is a prolific collector of contemporary and modern art by Black artists across the globe. Through his collection, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy that promotes Black excellence and culture with viewpoints from Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Over the years, he has received multiple awards and recognitions, including: Most Influential Minorities in the Cable Industry by Cablefax Magazine (multiple years), Top Forty Under 40 in Central Ohio (2010), Luminary Award by the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) (2009), and Top 50 Under 50 Corporate Executive on the Move by Diversity MBA Magazine (2007).
Wole is the proud father of Daniel Bakare, a creative and business development professional based in Los Angeles, and Dawn Bakare, a marketing professional and entrepreneur based in New York City.
About Wole Bakare
Wole Bakare has more than 25 years of experience in the cable and telecommunications industry and currently oversees operational performance for Spectrum’s West Region, covering Southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Wole Bakare has served on the UC Riverside Foundation Board of Trustees since 2018 and served as chair from 2024 through 2026. He joined the Denver Art Museum Board of Trustees in 2024.
Beyond his professional career, Wole is a prolific collector of contemporary and modern art by Black artists across the globe. Through his collection, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy that promotes Black excellence and culture with viewpoints from Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Over the years, he has received multiple awards and recognitions, including: Most Influential Minorities in the Cable Industry by Cablefax Magazine (multiple years), Top Forty Under 40 in Central Ohio (2010), Luminary Award by the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) (2009), and Top 50 Under 50 Corporate Executive on the Move by Diversity MBA Magazine (2007).
Wole is the proud father of Daniel Bakare, a creative and business development professional based in Los Angeles, and Dawn Bakare, a marketing professional and entrepreneur based in New York City.