Kofi Annan opens multi-purpose arts gallery

Accra, Jan. 8, GNA - Mr. Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General on Tuesday observed that although arts formed an integral part of the Ghanaian culture, the industry had been taken for granted over the years. "We do not appreciate artistic quality of individuals who have taken up the profession and purchase their wares, thereby making the profession unattractive and difficult to venture into", he added. Mr Annan said this when he opened a two million dollar multi-purpose Artists Alliance Gallery in Accra to serve as a platform for artists to display their works.

He said the works of African artists, particularly Ghanaians were expensive the world over and called on Africans to appreciate such works by placing value on them. "Artists tell stories that the journalists, politicians, civil society and opinion leaders would not dare say and this shows the important role arts play in the history of people". Mr. Annan therefore encouraged Ghanaians to visit the gallery with families, friends and relatives to learn from contemporary history. Mr Peter Ala-Adjetey, Former Speaker of Parliament who chaired the function advised parents to encourage their children to go into arts since it was an area worth pursuing. "We should encourage them to take up profession in the arts just as we allow them to go into law, medicine and other disciplines", he added.

Professor Ablade Glover, Founder of the Gallery said the three-floor storey building with four apartments started five years ago. The effort was to demonstrate commitment to showcase varieties of arts, from traditional to the contemporary.

He said 60 per cent of the works on display were a collection from artists who had come on board to sustain the industry and lauded the support of Ford Foundation, Export Development and Investment Fund and NDK financial Services who sponsored the construction of the edifice. Dr. Adhiambo Odaga, Representative of Ford Foundation, West Africa said the Artists Alliance Gallery dated back in the 1980s to exhibit, import and export works of art and also serve as an advocate and agent for artists to encourage and promote African art. "Since its establishment by Professor Ablade Glover, AAG has become an important cultural marketplace for art collectors from all corners of the world", she added.

Dr. Odaga said the foundation was working to change the way people view artists and their profession to earn them the needed recognition. She said although the sector had an important role to play in national development, artists continued to struggle to make ends meet and were unable to sustain their lives.

Dr Odaga said it was in this regard that the presence of efficient market place like the gallery was an important intermediary for stakeholders to come together to learn and also for mutual economic and social benefit.