Art not for unintelligent people -CEO of GEPA

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr. Afua Asabea Asare has urged the public to confidently embrace art and reject the notion it is the preserve of people of lower intelligence.

She opined contemporary art was gaining popularity around the world and has become a source of decent income.

As such, the sector shouldn’t be shunned but should be appreciated by Ghanaians.

Dr Afua Asare was speaking at the official opening of this year’s Sound Out Premium Exhibition which took place at The Underbridge Events Centre, East Legon, on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

This year’s exhibition which is the third edition will end today, December 9.

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“It's time to stop seeing art as a career choice for those who are less intelligent. In our current age, art is gaining worldwide traction, therefore it is appropriate we position ourselves to encourage those who pursue it”, she said.

In her presentation, she explained that the yearly Sound Out Premium Exhibition is aimed at creating a suitable means for artists to exhibit their works.

Sound Out Premium Exhibition was established by GEPA as one of the measures to increase the sector's production capacity and give maximum exposure to creatives.

Creatives showcasing their works at this year’s Sound Out Premium Exhibition include CEO of GEPA, Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, Prophask Studios, Afia Adutwumwaa Agyei, Kweku Genfi, Bright Danso, Chantelle Kuulua Eghan, Larry Otoo, Amarkine Amartefio, Maitreye Roy among others.

With art pieces themed around nature, social events, unity among others, the exhibition also served as a good platform for patrons to have better insight into contemporary art.

While enjoying the vibrant works of art by well-known and up-and-coming artists, the night also treated patrons to some indigenous music performances by the Kwanpa Band.

In a chat with Graphic Showbiz, most of the exhibitors asked for financial backing and investment in the sector to establish adequate capacities.

One of the exhibitors, Samuel Prophask Asamoah stated, “I think more investment has to go into this sector so that it can support artists and strengthen their capacity to market their works,” he said