Accra’s Chale Wote Street Art Festival opened Monday August 18 with artists from across the world converging to showcase diverse forms of creativity. For many, including Nigerian artist Daniel Nmaju, a studio assistant, the festival has become more than an exhibition space, it is a platform that connects art to community, culture, and commerce.
Daniel, participating in his third Chale Wote as a studio assistant to Nii Anyetei Ras, described the festival as an event that “really promotes art in different ways,” blending visual works with performance art and attracting international audiences. “It goes beyond just Ghana. It crosses across different countries,” he said on the festival’s opening day.
On the business front, Daniel noted that the exposure from Chale Wote brings opportunities, like connections with potential clients and collectors. “It gives an avenue for more viewers and then it also opens doors for potential customers and clients to also come forward,” he explained.
The latest series, Trash to Treasure, by Nii Anyetei Ras, which Daniel assisted on, reflects the festival’s spirit of experimentation and sustainability. The collection repurposes discarded plastics and industrial materials, weaving and priming them before transforming them into large-scale artworks. “Chale Wote actually opens the mind of the creative person,” Daniel said. “You have to look into different aspects of life and try to connect that with the community in which you’re staying.”
While prices vary depending on the work’s size and functionality, Daniel said pieces can sell for “a couple of thousands of dollars.” He confirmed that he has sold artworks through past editions of the festival, though declined to share specific figures.
Looking ahead, Daniel believes Chale Wote will continue to inspire collaboration among artists while driving innovation in contemporary African art. “Different artists come together to create different styles of work and bring ideas together. It boosts your creativity,” he said.
However, the festival, which has grown into one of West Africa’s largest public art gatherings, saw fewer attendees on the first day, with no vendor present at the venue, compared to last year. The festival will continue through the week with exhibitions, installations, music, and performances across the streets of Osu.
