World Art Day: A Call for Greater Recognition and Promotion of Art in Ghana

Today is World Art Day, a global celebration to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art, established during UNESCO’s 40th session of the General Conference in 2019.

In an interview with RGGNEWS, Lukeman Abdulai, an artist, was not happy about the lack of widespread recognition for World Art Day in Ghana.

He emphasized the need for nationwide exhibitions to raise awareness about the significance of the day and to celebrate artists’ contributions to society.

Abdulai stressed the importance of art, describing it as integral to life itself, with creativity and sketches occupying every aspect of the world.

He proposed that the government make the study of art a standard course in our various Basic and Secondary schools to strengthen the art industry.

Highlighting a concerning trend, Abdulai noted the diminishing popularity of pencil art, attributing it to the increasing preference for computer-generated works and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

He advocated for more investment in manual artistry to preserve its uniqueness and promote its value.

Also, speaking with RGGNEWS, Kojo Preko, convener of the Foundation of Creative Arts Professionals (FOCAP), emphasized the need for Ghana to prioritize and effectively project World Art Day.

In addition, Kojo Preko urged for the involvement of experienced professionals to manage the art space in Ghana, facilitating greater recognition and appreciation of the nation’s artistic heritage.