The University of Ghana has launched its maiden visual arts exhibition, “Artify,” in collaboration with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation. Running from November 26 to December 2, the exhibition showcases work by eight emerging visual artists who underwent a two-week training program designed to blend creativity with business acumen.
“Artify” aims to bridge the gap between art and entrepreneurship, a key goal of the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID), which organized the event under the theme “Amplifying Art as a Business.” The program provided young artists, aged 18 to 30, with vital training on art practice fundamentals, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management. The objective is to nurture talent and transform these creative professionals into business-oriented artists, equipped to expand their client base and thrive in the competitive art industry.
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development, emphasized that the skills needed to manage an art business are often overlooked, and this initiative is designed to address that gap. “This initiative nurtures talent and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he stated.
By integrating business and project management into the art ecosystem, Prof. Asante believes the creative arts sector could attract more investment, benefiting the economy. He further noted that rethinking art as a business could encourage more organizations and investors to support creatives in Ghana, thus contributing to the growth of the sector.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, echoed these sentiments, calling for more platforms like Artify to allow artists to showcase their work. She also advocated for visual arts spaces within communities to train and nurture local talent. Madam Tevie highlighted the potential of the creative arts sector to attract both local and international investments, which could significantly contribute to Ghana’s socioeconomic development.
Artist Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participants, praised the initiative for enriching his skills and knowledge. However, he noted that many Ghanaian artists struggle to scale their businesses due to a lack of attention, infrastructure, and effective marketing channels. He called for more support to realize the economic potential of visual arts in Ghana.
As Ghana’s creative arts sector gains recognition, exhibitions like “Artify” represent a shift toward positioning art not just as a cultural expression but also as a viable business. The initiative could serve as a catalyst for growth in the sector, attracting partnerships and investments while empowering young artists to build sustainable careers in the business of art.
