Use missions abroad to promote our art ­­­— Eddie Annan

Ghanaian businessman and art collector, Mr Eddie Annan, has said works by Ghanaian artists could get tremendous exposure and patronage if the country’s diplomatic missions worldwide displayed them on their premises.

As the special guest at the opening of an exhibition by Art_233, a collective of eight Ghanaian artists at the Marriott Hotel, Airport City in Accra, Mr Annan stated that though some of the country’s artists were doing well and were known beyond the shores, a lot could still happen to get more of them appreciated outside for commercial opportunities.

Art

Art_233 comprises Wiz Kudowor, Rojo Mettle-Nunoo, Betty Acquah, Emmanuel Adiammah, Sami Bentil, Yaw Safori, Nii T. Mills and Armarkine Amarteifio.

“Can you imagine the possible outcomes if all the Ghana missions abroad display works by Ghanaian artists in the rooms where they host those who come to apply for visas?

People will see how good our artists are and embassy officials could link the artists up with persons interested in any of their works and get good business for them,” Mr Annan said.

Members

Mr Annan praised members of Art_233 and Ghanaian artists in general for their intense creativity, saying he lived with them because he had their works all over in his living and dining rooms, bedrooms, swimming pool area and even in bathrooms.

He pointed out that he was willing to begin moves to help get Ghanaian artworks on walls in Ghana’s missions abroad and hoped that would materialise in the very near future.

Art_233 was launched in Accra last September.

The members are accomplished artists with a wide range of styles.

One of their key aims is “to bring verve and dynamism into Ghana’s contemporary art scene by providing art lovers and business people with provocative visual experiences”.

Investment

A member of the collective, Yaw Safori, said buying art was a good investment and those who could afford to do it should not hesitate.

He thanked Mr Annan and all other art collectors in this country for their immense support.

Kudowor, also explained that they could display only a restricted number of their works at the Marriott Hotel due to space considerations but were available to showcase more pieces to interested patrons upon arrangement.

It was a well-attended opening night and guests had the opportunity to interact with the artists.