The Ghana Association of Visual Artists (GAVA)has marked this year’s World Art Day on the theme: ‘Values of Art and its impacts on society’.
Activities held to celebrate the day included a live abstract mural painting at the Arts Centre where the public was engaged in a drawing and painting session.
This was in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the National Commission on Culture and in collaboration with Centre for National Culture, Greater Accra Region.
Opening the day, the General Secretary of GAVA, Mr. Lawrence Kwaku Agyeman, noted the world Art day was a special event in the life of Artists as it draws attention on the role Artists play in the development of society.
He called on all Artists to be reminded of the importance of such a day in their lives and rededicate themselves towards making something useful out of their profession.
Briefing the media, President of GAVA, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, Nkabomhene of Kumawu Traditional Area who is also an International Executive member and Coordinator of IAA, emphasized that the theme chosen was a call to frown on the canker of non-appreciation of Art in the country.
He stressed, “there is the growing need for people to recognize the important role Artists play in National development and as Ghana marks 60 years of Independence we should be seriously considering the inclusion and mainstreaming of visual Arts in National strategic planning and development 60 years on”.
“As an Association of Visual Artists and together with the Centre for National Culture, we have been doing our part by adding our quota to national development, by providing a platform for exposure for our members through art exhibitions, training programmes, workshops etc.
“Also, training has been delivered in area of craft-making for the youth, which has gone a long way to reducing streetism and unemployment in the country.”
Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong called on the Government and stakeholders to do their part by joining the crusade to obtain a National Gallery of contemporary Art, observing that Artists document community history, as such there should be a National space for such works where students and researchers could access and add to their knowledge.
A member of GAVA, Mrs. Asabea observed that, the time was due for Artists to push themselves beyond the limits for their artworks to gain the necessary recognition. “As the nation gradually embraces the role of Artists, the onus lies on us to project our work and make the necessary ‘noise’.
“Every sector of the economy inculcates Art in terms of design. Whatever one perceives is Art even before it manifests into being as such. We should feel proud to be Artists” she said.
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