Adunni Olorisha Trust - Adunni Osun Foundation

Our purpose is to preserve and promote the Sacred Groves of Osogbo and New Sacred Art.

The Adunni Olorisha Trust was established during Susanne Wenger’s lifetime, following the death of
her long-time patron and friend Chief Adebayo Adeleke, to ensure continuity and support for her and for her life’s work. The Adunni Osun Foundation was later founded to ensure her remarkable legacy continues, especially the transfer of knowledge, skills and values of Susanne Wenger and the New Sacred Art Movement to future generations of artists, artisans, community members and researchers. The Adunni Olorisha Trust-Adunni Osun Foundation (AOTF) work in partnership.

Named after Susanne Wenger’s Yoruba name “Adunni” meaning “one who brings joy and is cherished”, we aim to instill the same in all with whom we work.

Our objectives are to ensure:

• That the art work created by the New Sacred Art Movement is conserved to a high artistic standard and that the artists of the Movement are recognized and new artists and artisans encouraged;

• That the Sacred Groves are protected: as both a living cultural heritage site and for the flora and fauna it contains;

• That this remarkable legacy of Yoruba heritage, art and nature is promoted and celebrated both in Nigeria and internationally.

We share Susanne’s commitment to Yoruba heritage, art and the environment.