Kofi Siriboe is making space for the culture—literally.
The actor, creative, and proud advocate for Black artistry just introduced Tola—The Other LA, an artist retreat and residency in New Orleans designed to uplift and empower young Black creatives.
In a heartfelt social media post, Siriboe called Tola a “labor of love”, giving props to the many hands that helped bring this vision to life.The project is all about cultivating a community, a vibe, and an ecosystem where Black talent can grow, create, and thrive.
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A Grand Opening Rooted in Black Artistic Brilliance
To celebrate its launch, Tola linked up with Josiah Jones of Black in Every Color and Prosper Jones of Art Above the Law to present “The Migration,” an exhibition showcasing twelve talented New Orleans-based artists across multiple disciplines.
But Tola isn’t just keeping it local. A selection of these works is making its way to Los Angeles, where they’ll be showcased at The Line Hotel during Frieze, one of the most prestigious art fairs in the game. This connects New Orleans’ rich Black art scene with a national stage.
Bringing Art to the Streets: A Mural with Meaning
Tola isn’t just about what happens inside its walls. With the support of Paramount’s Content For Change initiative, Siriboe and his team helped bring a powerful mural by Langston Allston to the historic streets of Bayou Rd. It’s a statement, a tribute, and a reminder that Black art belongs everywhere—in galleries, on the walls of our cities, and in the hearts of our people.
This Is Just the Beginning
Siriboe made it clear—this launch is just the first chapter. Tola is here to shift the game for young Black artists, offering them the space, support, and visibility they deserve.
So, what’s next? More art. More collaborations. More ways to pour into Black creativity and make sure it has the platform it needs. If you want to stay tapped in, follow @tola.nola—because the magic is just getting started.
Cover photo: Kofi Siriboe Unveils Tola—A Creative Sanctuary for Black Artists in New Orleans / Credit: Kofi Siriboe via Instagram
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