Panka Art Studio, a multidisciplinary Art firm in the Upper East Region has held the second edition of My Art Gallery Exhibition at Akayet Hotel, Bolgatanga to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and works.
Besides providing a platform for the artists to market their products locally, Panka Art studio wants to use this platform to boost the production capacity of the arts industry to enable players export to other markets, especially, with the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the event, CEO of Panka Art Studio , Mr. Panka Abubakar Sediq, said he hopes the art exhibition will transform into an art festival which will attract artists from all over the world.
“We are confident that over time, My Art Gallery Exhibition will transform into a premium art festival in Upper East Region who all art enthusiasts can all look forward to year after year,” he said.
He, however, bemoaned the low patronage of art works in the country as many consider it luxury products which should only be patronised by the rich.
“It hasn’t been a bed of roses getting this far – especially when people consider Art as a luxury item instead of an intrinsic part of us, our way of life. The best of our export items that have made it to shelves of big brands, have been the ones that are not just well packaged, but aesthetically good looking – thanks to the creative side of us.
Yet, there is low patronage by Ghanaians in the consumption of Ghanaian art. The evidence shows that the volume of consumption of Ghana’s art by tourists, far outstrips Ghanaian patronage. We like it, we admire it, we speak proudly about it to others, but the final purchase to complete the equation is not with the same enthusiasm,” he said.
Organized under the auspices of beyond return and the ministry of tourism and Art with support from AirtelTigo, Itel, Akayet hotel amongst others, the event had in attendance hundreds of art lovers and artists across the country reaffirming their strong affection for art at the venue.
Patrons who spoke to us after the event expressed satisfaction with what they witnessed and called on the government of Ghana and businesses to support and make the dreams of the art firm achievable.
