Government must deliberately provide opportunities for artisans and painters that are doing well in the country by sponsoring some to participate in international exhibitions with their artworks which will in turn revive the sector, renowned painter Larry Otoo has said.
According to him, just as other sectors receive support to participate in programmes outside the country, the same thing can be done to the artist and painters to help sell the country to the international community through artworks and paintings. He added that it can also contribute.
He mentioned that the sector is doing a lot that needs the attention and support of the government to help make a lot of talents grow.
“Government should get involved directly so that if the artist needs money to buy bulk materials, it can support him or her or if they need opportunities to showcase their products at festivals all over the country, they should be able to sponsor them to take part in exhibitions outside just like how they are able to support certain people with our taxes to go and take part in some events outside. Because it also helps sell the country’s culture to the world,” he said this during the launch of the 3rd edition of the ‘Premium Art Exhibition’ in Accra.
The event organized by Ghana Export Promotion (GEPA), aims at allowing emerging and established, talented Ghanaian and international artists showcase their artwork and position them on the international market. This event serves as a good opportunity to art collectors and other art enthusiasts to help foster art appreciation by including the artworks into their collection.
Mr. Otoo bemoaned the sector lacks facilities to hold exhibitions for their artworks to be displayed to the public except they look for rented facilities for just a specific period after which they have to pack out. This he said is not helping them, hence, government must intervene.
“We can as an artist rub shoulders with our counterparts in other countries. The advantage they have over us is that there are edifices like museums and other places where tourists go and see the artworks and other things but here we have to hire and after some time we have to move out. But it is about time we as a nation sat up and gave some importance to what artists are doing,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Dr. Afua Asabea Asare said that in order for the authority to achieve its export target by 2029, it is important for them to consider everything that can be exported, hence, the authority coming on board to support such an initiative.
She admitted that for some past years, the needed attention has not been given to the art sector to push it but conscious effort has now been taken to ensure they receive the needed support, adding that: “We have been to France and twice to Europe over the last three years and now we are here. We hope to replicate that in other countries. What is happening today will not end in Ghana but will be broadcasted to the world.”
