Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, has urged visual artists to acquire business and financial knowledge to effectively elevate their creative talents. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the University of Ghana’s (UG) “Artify” exhibition, she stressed that artists must treat their creativity as a business, not just rely on their artistic abilities.
While artistic talent is crucial, Madam Tevie emphasized that business acumen and project management skills are essential for sustainable growth in the creative arts sector. She highlighted that incorporating these skills could attract more investment and support for artists, enhancing the sector’s potential for economic growth. She also noted the creative arts’ economic potential and called for its expansion to draw both local and international investments and partnerships.
The weeklong event was organized in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and funded by the KGL Foundation. It featured drawings and paintings from eight selected visual artists who exhibited their works at the University of Ghana’s Balme Library.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, announced plans to establish an arts studio to provide students a platform to showcase their visual arts skills. Following the success of the Artify exhibition, the university will now host quarterly and yearly visual arts exhibitions.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” said Professor Amfo.
The Artify project, themed “Amplifying Art as a Business,” was initiated by the university’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID). The programme aimed to provide aspiring visual artists, aged 18 to 30, with both artistic and business training. The participants, either students or residents near the university, underwent an eight-week course focusing on improving their craft and expanding their client base.
The programme covered essential topics such as art fundamentals, copyright, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management, equipping the artists with skills to succeed as business-oriented professionals.
