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 Gala – one of the most important philanthropic events in Europe. Over the span of four years, the auction has raised more than €34 million. 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 philanthropist, contemporary art enthusiast and collector. The Foundation operates at the intersection of art, education and philanthropy, supporting artists, fostering intercultural dialogue and contributing to the protection of cultural heritage.
In 2023, the Foundation organised the first TOP CHARITY Art exhibition at the Orangery of the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów. At the same time, it launched initiatives dedicated to heritage preservation, including funding the restoration of seventeenth-century paintings in the Palace’s Northern Gallery.
The year 2024 marked the expansion of the Foundation’s international activity. OmenaArt Foundation organised the “Other Geographies, Other Stories” pavilion at Malta Biennale, the “Space & Time” exhibition, and its first artist residency in cooperation with Malta-based LuginsLand of Art. The Foundation also launched Artis Arundo, a programme supporting artists’ professional development, while expanding its activity in Ghana through participation in Accra Cultural Week and support for the development of Omenaa Sport&Art Campus.
In 2025, the Foundation presented part of its African art collection to the public for the first time, featuring works by artists including El Anatsui, Ibrahim Mahama, Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga and Zanele Muholi. Together with Opera Gallery, it created a Sculpture Garden in Wilanów, and in partnership with Sotheby’s Institute of Art launched the Art Investment Masterclass. The Foundation also continued to develop collaborations with institutions in Poland and abroad and opened Phenomenaa Gallery in Warsaw.
In 2026, OmenaArt Foundation achieved an important international success. The pavilion “Redefining. Polish-Ghanaian Textile Narratives” received the Best Pavilion award at Malta Biennale 2026. The Foundation organised another edition of TOP CHARITY Art, continued its residency, educational and conservation programmes, and further developed projects in Poland, Ghana, Malta and Italy. In September, the Foundation also took part in the first international edition of TOP CHARITY – TOP CHARITY Venice Experience. In October of the same year, Omenaa Sport&Art Campus opened in Ghana – a space combining art, education, sport, healthcare and the social development of children and young people, where OmenaArt Foundation develops the artistic and exhibition programme.
Today, OmenaArt Foundation operates as an international platform connecting art, education, heritage preservation and philanthropy. It organises exhibitions, supports artists, develops its African art collection, runs residency and educational programmes, and builds partnerships between institutions, artists and communities across Poland, Europe and Africa.
The Foundation coordinates the annual TOP CHARITY Gala, 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.
