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In the wake of over fifty installments navigating the international Black diaspora, this represents a final dispatch. The experience has been incredibly rewarding, with sincere gratitude extended to all the engaged audience.

Exploring the Cultural Week

Experiencing the showcases, presentations and performances of Accra Cultural Week, one sees how the finest art sustains and shapes a nation's past and essence. The focal point was without doubt the artist's stunning a profound exploration of ritual and time, which showcased his innovative afrogallonism for all to see: a philosophy that reimagines yellow jerrycans into mesmerizing art pieces, mosaics of yellow, brass and gold. The show was designed as a homage to the strength of this area, a historic area of Accra.

This area – largely home to the Ga community, a fishing community – is furthermore where many returning Africans came back from Brazil and settled in the 1830s. Called the Tabom, they carried with them Brazilian language and traditions.

All across Jamestown, one observes a mix of building designs. There’s Franklin House, with its characteristic Portuguese construction and door arches. Also present is the prominent Jamestown Lighthouse, erected in the 1800s and eventually given its recognizable banded appearance.

A Culture of Remembrance

Furthermore remarkable about Jamestown is the pervasive sight of obituary announcements. On every corner, be it covering alleyways or on larger signboards, you’ll see announcements and expressions of farewell. In Jamestown, as throughout Ghana, final rites are major community celebrations.

In the artist's impressive exhibition, all of the sights, sounds and religious textures of Jamestown are present – especially in the engaging Jamestown nshonaa piece. In this space, one is relaxed by the audio of ocean surf with sand on the floor, while beach huts, nets and depictions of boats honour its dynamic, multigenerational maritime community. However being present in this venue, the mind turns to the mountains of discarded clothing that mar the charm and serenity of the shoreline.

In Addition to the Centrepiece

The festival program included additional highlights. Housed in an unfinished structure at the campus, artist Sylvester showcased a deeply moving minimalist collection, an emotionally powerful, minimalist exhibition that included sculptures and canvases produced in collaboration with artisans.

And then there is the prestigious art award for women artists of Ghanaian origin. It showcased the first solo show of a recent recipient, whose work references historical documents to produce a visual impression of life in Ghana after independence. The event also crowned a new winner, whose varied work is deeply focused on the craft techniques of women in a specific region.

A Permanent Impact

Although the overseas community has increasingly been drawn home to west Africa in the colder season, an increasing number are thinking about travelling earlier in the year to experience the region’s festival period. From this festival and other major events, what emerges are art scenes that are not simply emerging or “upcoming” but have forged an whole universe that is enduring.

Ultimately, the journey offers a perception of Accra that feels like a statement for conservation and the safeguarding of culture. It is a compelling homage to perseverance in all its forms.