Developing Accra into an arts and culture hub: 2nd Accra Art Week kick-starts December 20

The Accra Art Week (AAW) which was launched in 2018, will have its second edition this month, opening with a special preview on the 19th of December at the Ghana Club.

A befitting venue, the Ghana club embodies history heritage and tradition, at a time when the nation reflects on the past 400-year trajectory

Also, key in the line-up of activities is the SLOL Mind Art Exhibition which is an interactive art and illusions installation showcasing some of the best streetwear brands on the market, will take place at Pavilion A, Trade Fair, La.

Between the 20th - 27th of December, AAW invites art enthusiasts, visitors to the city old and new, purveyors of Africa’s cultural creative industry to join in the purposefully curated program that includes; guided walking art tours through the streets of James Town, specialist studio visits and an art talks program in partnership with the MasterKraft Experience pop up concept store at the Kempinski Galleria.

Founder of the initiative Ediwn Otta believes central to Accra’s burgeoning art scene is the creation of platforms and experiences that offer better access and visibility to Ghana’s stable of artists old and new.

In a media engagement he said ‘the vision is to establish institutional framework that better represent African artists on home soil. Whilst many established Ghanaian artists feature on the global stage, most recently seen during, the Ghana Pavilion during the 2029 Venice Biennale, it is also important to showcase art in indigenous contexts.”

He consented that art and design are part of our day to day lives in Africa.

“Accra Art Week is therefore about highlighting the significance and symbolism of art in the African context. Not only is experiencing and collecting art fun and engaging, it also serves to preserve our history, heritage, culture, it embodies the narrative of contemporary life experience. It gives hope and connects worlds. Accra Art Week aims to create platforms formal and informal bringing together creatives at the coalface of Ghana and West Africans zeitgeist,” he said.

A presser released by the organisers described the program as one that is about partnerships and highlighting Ghana’s art sector value chain, exposing audiences to studio visit in partnership with Gallery 1957 featuring renowned Ghanian artist Gideon Appiah among others.

The statement said “a canvas talks program offers AAW ticket holders an opportunity to interact with artists, collectors and visitors to the city exploring important topics such as; ‘The Business of the Arts & Design in Africa - examining ‘value’ of Art & Design in Africa’.“

“Finally, in keeping with the importance of ensuring Africa’s artists and creative community are ‘seen’ recognized or ‘valued’ for their contributions to global multi-billion dollar industry and Accra Art Week 2019 unveils a special initiative which tells the story of the ‘Akwaaba Lady’ - a portrait that has graced the offices, homes and tourism hot spots of Ghana for over 20 years.

In highlighting the Objectives of AWW, the statement said “Accra Art Week (AAW) aims to play a pivotal role in increasing the awareness of the Ghanaian art culture.

To achieve this goal, we aim to put on year on year, an all-inclusive art week. By so doing, it is our hope that the following aims will be achieved; building awareness and appreciation of the creative (art + design) industry by showcasing and promoting local artists, cultural art institutions and art spaces, developing Accra into a distinctive arts and culture hub within the sub region and the continent, providing a platform to showcase fine art and antiques from leading local and international galleries.

Also, to help build capacity in the industry by providing networking opportunities for investors, collectors, patrons and other supporters of the industry and to recognize, and award the creatives whose success in the past year has inspired many.“

“In association with our partners, the first edition of AAW will include a myriad of activities from exhibitions, talks program and walking city art studio tours. Many of Accra’s notable galleries will open their doors to the public who will be treated to a selection of curated art events,” the statement ended.

For more information visit: www.accrawrtweek.org