Kumasi: Visual artists have been encouraged to increase the value of their creations to achieve both direct and indirect economic visibility. Dr. George Buma Ampratwum, a Senior Lecturer from the Department of Painting and Sculpture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), highlighted that the advantages of visual arts extend beyond immediate financial gains for the artists and the nation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Ampratwum addressed this during a workshop organized by the Ashanti Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC) to celebrate World Arts Day. The event, themed "Crafting Your Narrative, the Artists' Statement," aimed to provide young artists with essential knowledge on articulating their work concepts, creative processes, and materials used. These elements are crucial for exhibitions and portfolio presentations.
The workshop saw participation from 35 practicing painters, including eight females and 27 males from the region. Dr. Ampratwum pointed out that artists often concentrate on immediate economic benefits such as job creation, employment, and income. However, he emphasized that the indirect economic advantages, which come from gaining exposure both nationally and internationally, offer more substantial benefits than direct ones.
He advised artists to focus on producing quality works, organizing good exhibitions, and adopting effective marketing strategies to achieve both types of benefits. Dr. Ampratwum stressed the importance of having comprehensive knowledge of historical or local stories before creating artwork, as this aids in producing meaningful and impactful pieces. Such understanding also facilitates better articulation during exhibitions and marketing efforts.
Furthermore, Dr. Ampratwum encouraged artists to consider the materials used in their creations, as these impact the final outcome, and suggested forming associations to collaborate on exhibitions, thereby supporting their artworks. Mr. Peter Kofi Marfo, the Acting Ashanti Regional Director of the CNC, noted that the workshop offered artists a platform to exchange ideas, refine their skills, and explore innovative expressions in an ever-changing world. By equipping artists with skills and networks, the workshop aims to enhance their ability to transform creativity into sustainable livelihoods, contributing to the broader creative economy.