Our Story
Founded in London in 2024 by philanthropists and collectors Alain and Vanessa Defise, the Defise Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting Congolese art and artists. The Foundation aims to act as a platform for international connectivity and network development, providing mentorship and guidance for artists to build relationships with galleries and navigate the UK art market.
Our Founders
Alain and Vanessa Defise, both originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, are collectors and ardent advocates of African art. Alain passion for art began at a young age through his adoptive father, Mr. Robert Defise, a Belgian national who moved to Congo as a surveyor and colonial officer. Mr. Defise was a dedicated collector of African art, acquiring breathtaking works from Congolese prominent artists such as Bela, Mwenze Kibwanga, Pilipili Mulongoy in 1950s.
Alain and Vanessa have recently felt inspired to take a more active role in supporting Congolese artists. They initially began funding artistic projects featuring emerging talents from the D. R. Congo, notably: “Breaking the Mould – New Signatures from the D.R. Congo” (198 Gallery, London –October 2021), “Reflections and Connections” (Musée National de la RDC, Kinshasa – September 2022), and ‘’Call & Response – DRC and UK’s Arts and Culture in Dialogue’’ (House of Commons, UK Parliament, London – November 2023).
Recognising both the immense potential of Congolese artists and the challenges they face during these exhibitions – as well as the potential of these inspiring creatives to challenge stereotypical perceptions about the Congo - Alain and Vanessa decided to establish their own initiative: The Defise Foundation. The organisation publicly launched in October 2024, during 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London, with a celebration featuring a performance by a young Congolese singer and speeches to a crowd of art specialists, including museum directors, gallerists, curators, artists, and financial professionals. In sharing their mission, goals and collaborations with their audience, Alain and Vanessa formalised their commitment to fostering cultural exchange between the Congo and the global art scene, particularly in their adopted home of the UK.
Our Mission
Through a range of programs, the Defise Foundation will:
. Boost visibility for Congolese artists, actively promoting and showcasing talented Congolese artistswork and ensuring their contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
. Reimagine Congo’s image by leveraging art and culture, presenting a fresh and positive narrative about the Congo that challenges stereotypes and celebrates itsrich heritage.
. Create a thriving cultural space by providing a nurturing environment for Congolese culture to flourish and fostering creativity, innovation, and expression.
. Champion global recognition by advocating for Congolese artists in Africa and on the international stage, emphasising their impact and significance.
Additionally, the Defise Foundation’s commitment extends to including other collectors and philanthropists on the journey of understanding and appreciating modern and contemporary Congolese art.
How We Do This
At present, the Defise Foundation will deliver its mission through support of for three main strands of activity:
. UK-Based Residencies: Facilitating residencies to enable selected artists to develop their work and expand their artistic horizons and networks.
. Direct Support for Artistic Work/Projects: Offering financial and logistical support for creative endeavours by artists from the DRC and its diaspora.
. Exhibitions and Publications: Supporting the curation of exhibitions and production of publications that showcase the work of selected Congolese artists, whether as Foundation projects or in collaboration with galleries, art fairs and public institutions