INTRODUCTION 

For a long line of years, across every race in the world, art has remained an integral part of culture, expressing the unknown and sometimes, stating the obvious. Even as art has evolved from many phases, like Egyptian cave writings, the renaissance art period, and modern art, we cannot take away the fact that it still has impact.

UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORY OF ART IN GHANA

Ghana’s art industry has also experienced its own form of renaissance. Not only has our art evolved to painting on canvases, but has also become some sort of cycle; from rock paintings in the NorthEast region to protest art on walls in the pre-independence era, prison art, canvas art and now prominent street art. 

CONTEMPORARY ART IN GHANA

As the years go by, Ghanaians have also come to appreciate the beauty and impact of art. Art, which was once presumed to be a waste or simply for the rich, has now come to be appreciated by every Ghanaian, regardless of ethnic group or financial standing.

Art galleries are now frequented more. Want to have a charity event? Gallery 1957 is the best place. Best date option? Nubuke Foundation is an option. Are you a tourist looking for exciting places in Labadi to tour? Artists Alliance Gallery is the place for you, not to mention that you would find countless art galleries on the streets of Ghana, especially Jamestown.

ART IN JAMESTOWN 

Jamestown, being one of the oldest settlements in the country’s capital, Accra, is known for its landmarks like the historical James Fort, the Jamestown lighthouse, Ussher Fort, Mantse Palace (the traditional seat of the Ga chief) and other colonial buildings which strongly tell the tale of the town’s past. More importantly, Jamestown is notably known for its vibrant murals and paintings that make it aesthetically pleasing and its annual street art and graffiti festival where artists, art enthusiasts and other stakeholders in the creative arts industry come together to promote a vibrant explosion of creativity. First introduced in 2011 by Accra-based cultural network, Accra DOT ALT, the Chale Wote Street Art Festival has remained the hub where Ghanaian artistry is showcased by professional and budding artists.

  This street art festival, celebrated in the first week of August, plays a significant contribution to Ghana’s development through the revenue generated for local and international visitors and promotes art awareness.

CONCLUSION

Jamestown and the Chale Wote Street Art Festival are two key contributors to Ghanaian art’s renaissance in the sense that through these two factors, Ghanaians have begun to explore the beauty in art and its power in igniting social change.

Like great artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, would we have local artists like Rufai Zakari, Winfred Amoah and Bernice Ameyaw whose works and reputations would transcend national boundaries so much so that people from far and near would come to gaze upon their works? Is there the prospect of Jamestown being the Florence or Milan of Ghana? Like the Medici of Florence, are there more people ready to invest into the murals on the streets of Jamestown? What lies in store for Ghana’s art industry?

So next time you walk on the streets of Accra in the first week of August, be sure to stop by Jamestown. Who knows? You might catch a glimpse of people with painted faces parading the streets or fresh murals; a symphony of colours splattered on walls, showcasing creativity, coursing through the sands of time.