Kanko Arts Foundation was founded by Vivian Cofie, who was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, within a cultural environment.
 
Vivian’s father, the late A E Asare, was a traditional Kente weaver, who inspired his daughter as she watched the joy he gave his customers with the unique designs he created.  Vivian became a textile artist and teamed up with other traditional artists, such as drummers, dancers, weavers and storytellers to create the foundation.  Her main aim was to bring culture to the community.

Kanko Arts Foundation organised workshops on African culture and arts in primary and secondary schools in Ghana, later establishing a Saturday fun club to give children the opportunity to come together to learn African arts and crafts through fun activities.

A few years later Vivian decided to go international to break down multicultural barriers.  In 1987, she came to the UK and started telling African stories in primary schools in Hertfordshire, later introducing drumming and dancing to the secondary schools. 

In 1999, Vivian moved to Kent with her family.  Kanko Arts Foundation in its present format was established in 2000 to showcase African lifestyles and traditions at it's best, as well as to provide cultural education.