In 1962, Picelj initiated a series of his self-published “Edition a” art booklets, having released a total of seven publications up until 1964. Each issue of “Edition a” featured the work of one artist —mostly of a colleague whose work he admired.
In 1962, Picelj initiated a series of his self-published “Edition a” art booklets, having released a total of seven publications up until 1964. Each issue of “Edition a” featured the work of one artist —mostly of a colleague whose work he admired.
The foundation is a pioneer in implementing unconventional artistic projects in Poland and around the world. Its mission is to foster intercultural dialogue, support artists, and promote contemporary art from Eastern Europe and Africa, with a particular focus on art in public spaces. The foundation is also actively involved in the revitalization of historic buildings, as well as conservation and educational projects. The foundation coordinates the TOP CHARITY Auction – one of the most important philanthropic events in Europe. Over the span of four years, the auction has raised more than 145 million PLN. These funds have supported the charitable efforts of the Omenaa Foundation, Rafał Brzoska Foundation, and the Philanthropic Consortium, as well as OmenaArt Foundation’s projects that support artists and cultural institutions.
OmenaArt Foundation was established in 2023 by Omenaa Mensah, a contemporary art enthusiast and collector. That same year, the Foundation organized the first TOP CHARITY Art exhibition at the Orangery of the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace in Wilanów. Using funds raised through the TOP CHARITY Auction, the Foundation financed the revitalization of part of the North Gallery of the Wilanów Palace. In 2024, the Foundation expanded its international reach by organizing the thematic pavilion “Other Geographies, Other Stories” during the Malta Biennale, curating the accompanying exhibition “Space & Time”, and launching its first artist residency in collaboration with Malta’s LuginsLand of Art center.
In April, the Foundation launched Artis Arundo, a recurring program for emerging artists. In the following year, the Foundation continued its activities in Poland and Africa. During the TOP CHARITY Art exhibition, it presented part of its African art collection for the first time, featuring works by Ibrahim Mahama and El Anatsui, among others.
The Foundation coordinates the annual TOP CHARITY Auction, where artworks by leading Polish and international artists – selected throughout the year by the initiative’s Artistic Council – are auctioned. This one-of-a-kind event in Europe has raised over 145 million PLN since 2022 for charitable initiatives in Poland and around the world.
The Foundation promotes West African artists in Europe through exhibitions and educational and artistic programs. From its inception, it has been building a growing African art collection. It also engages in art projects in Ghana and organizes international exchange programs to foster dialogue among artists across borders. Through its platform and network of global partnerships, it also promotes Polish artists and supports cultural institutions by sponsoring exhibitions and projects aligned with its mission.
The Foundation assists talented emerging artists by providing grants and scholarships, such as through the Artis Arundo program, and by funding awards for young talents, including winners of the Kompas Młodej Sztuki rankings in 2023 and 2024. It also organizes artist residencies in Poland and abroad (e.g., Malta and Ghana), offering opportunities for professional growth and international exposure.
Committed to preserving artistic and architectural heritage, the Foundation funds conservation work on historical monuments, such as the restoration of Baroque polychromes and stuccoes at the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace in Wilanów. It supports other revitalization projects in cultural institutions and collaborates with experts to preserve valuable cultural works for future generations.
Art education is a key part of the Foundation’s mission. It organizes workshops and programs for children and youth, such as “Heritage in Our Hands,” to cultivate sensitivity to art and cultural awareness. In partnership with experts, including those from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art, it offers training on the art market and collecting, and creates educational materials to share knowledge and passion with a broader audience.
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