As we gear for the new administration’s ‘reset’ focus on culture aimed at revitalising the tourism and creative arts sectors, with among other priorities, the promised teaching of music in schools’ curriculum, providing trained teachers for such subject and an intentional year-run call to people to visit from all over the world to see our arts, tourism and culture… what will the government’s planned sub-policy ‘The Black Experience’ deliver? PaJohn Dadson found out if it will replace the ‘Beyond The Return’ initiative.
“We’re not necessarily going to scrape the ‘Beyond The Return’ initiative, no. We will enhance it with what we believe is a more encompassing approach we have christened the ‘Black Star Experience,’” says Kofi Otchere Darko, Spokesperson, Creative Arts and Tourism (NDC Manifesto).
Including a commitment is to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable creative industry that honours Ghana’s heritage, the fresh outlook for the tourism and creative arts sector envisaged by the incoming government seeks to “propel our cultural narrative on the global stage”. This was emphasised by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, who has declared the “Golden Age of Culture, Arts and Tourism”, listing overarching policy priorities with “actions and modules to promote job creation and entrepreneurship”.
Under it will be the ‘Black Star Experience’, an initiative that, as one of the several far-reaching sub-themed initiatives, will be a quest to “imbue Africanism in Ghanaians and encourage people to come from all over the world to see our arts, tourism and culture”.
Looking to expand existing structures, Kofi says the priority is to be intentional in selling Ghana globally. “We are looking at monthly experiences throughout the year which will stimulate dynamism in the sector. We want to be very intentional in the areas of music, culture, modelling, fashion, our movie industry. We’re looking at Ghana becoming one of the top two movie destinations on the continent.”
Reviving the Marine Drive Project, partnering with the private sector to develop all tourist sites and formalising a fund for ageing artistes are all part of the focus of the new administration. Announcing a 22-point promise statement for the creative arts, President-elect Mahama, believing them to be the lifeblood of our cultural DNA, promises a total commitment to revitalising all regional Centres of National Culture to ensure they become accessible hubs for the creative industry.
Stressing the significance of supporting veteran artistes, plans are afoot to guarantee they receive the acknowledgment and support they merit.
Of particular note on the list, is the promise to encourage the teaching of music and arts in schools’ curriculum and providing trained teachers for such subject.
The new team, once inaugurated, will specifically be introducing the following focused monthly jamborees.
- Pan African Month: A month dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Africa, fostering unity and collaboration among African nations.
- Ghana Film Festival and Awards Month: An event to showcase and honour the achievements of Ghanaian filmmakers and the broader film industry.
- Ghanaian Heritage and History Month: A period to reflect on and celebrate Ghana’s storied past and cultural legacy.
- Fashion and Food Month: An initiative to highlight and promote Ghanaian fashion and cuisine, showcasing the country’s creative talents.
- Diasporan Month: A time to recognise and engage with the Ghanaian diaspora, encouraging their participation in national development and cultural exchange.
