The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID), in partnership with the Nubuke Foundation and KGL launched a visual arts exhibition at the Balme Library, on Tuesday 26th November 2024. The initiative is part of the ARTIFY “Amplifying Art as a Business” programme which aims to develop artistic talent and nurture the entrepreneurial skills of young artists to enable them to attain commercial success in the creative arts industry.
This exhibition marks the first of its kind for the Directorate, and underscores RID’s commitment to support young entrepreneurs. The exhibition showcases the works of eight emerging artists who underwent two weeks of training covering the fundamentals of art practice, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management. The business component of the training was facilitated by the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), a key collaborator in the ARTIFY programme. At the exhibition, the young artists had the opportunity to present their designs and share the intrinsic meanings behind their creative pieces.
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Research, Innovation and Development, who launched the exhibition, stated that the skills required to manage an art business are often underrated. He indicated that, “integrating business and project management into the art field would make the sector more attractive to investment, yielding significant economic benefits. Mrs Mammie Hutchful Nortey, Senior Research Development Officer at RID emphasized that the ARTIFY programme was not aimed at established artists but rather at talented youth from diverse fields who are passionate about creating art. She noted that public interest in the programme was particularly high, as evidenced by the large number of applications received from UG staff and faculty, despite the specific age limitations to qualify.
Madam Odile Tevie, Head of the Nubuke Foundation, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Professor Felix Asante, for embracing the ARTIFY initiative and for his efforts to promote arts and nurture young talent. She added that the programme provides a unique opportunity for young artists to integrate their creative ideas with the practical skills required to succeed in the business of art.
The ARTIFY exhibition is open until Monday, December 2, 2024.This provides the university community and all interested visitors ample time to view the artworks, which are also available for purchase. To climax the exhibition the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo is expected to be in attendance at the closing ceremony.
