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After over fifty installments delving into the worldwide Black diaspora, this signifies a last column. The experience proved deeply gratifying, and immense gratitude extended to every one of the attentive followers.

Inside Accra Cultural Week

Attending the exhibitions, artworks and shows of this event, one sees how the finest art feeds and shapes a nation's history and character. The focal point was without doubt Serge Attukwei Clottey’s exquisite [Dis]Appearing Rituals: An Open Lab of Now for Tomorrow, which displayed his groundbreaking afrogallonism in full view: a philosophy that reimagines plastic containers into captivating art pieces, mosaics of yellow, brass and gold. The show was created as a testament to the resilience of Jamestown, a historic neighbourhood of Accra.

The community – predominantly populated by the Ga people, a seafaring people – is also where numerous formerly enslaved people returned from South America and made their home in the 1830s. Known as the Tabom, they introduced Portuguese language and traditions.

In every part of Jamestown, you can see a blend of building designs. Standing is Franklin House, boasting its unique Portuguese masonry and door arches. One can also see the prominent beacon, built in the 19th century and subsequently sporting its signature striped appearance.

A Culture of Mourning

Furthermore remarkable about Jamestown is the ever-present presence of funeral posters. On every corner, whether plastered over buildings or on larger signboards, there are funeral details and terms of mourning. In Jamestown, similar to the rest of Ghana, funerals are significant social gatherings.

In this spectacular show, all of the sensory and spiritual landscape of Jamestown are captured – particularly in the engaging shoreline installation. In this space, one is relaxed by the audio of crashing waves with granules at your feet, while shelters, draped nets and representations of boats pay homage to its spirited, generational fishing community. But being present in this exhibition space, it's hard to ignore the heaps of discarded clothing that compromise the aesthetics and serenity of the shoreline.

Apart from the Headline Act

There is additional highlights. Within an raw space at the campus, artist Sylvester presented a deeply moving minimalist collection, an incredibly moving, minimalist exhibition that displayed sculptures and artworks created in collaboration with artisans.

And then there is the prestigious art award for Ghanaian women creators. It showcased the inaugural exhibition of a prior recipient, whose work draws on historical documents to craft a visual impression of life in Ghana after independence. The event also honored a current winner, whose varied work is particularly concerned with the craft techniques of women in a specific region.

A Permanent Impact

While the global African community has grown been attracted home to Ghana in the winter months, a growing cohort are contemplating visiting for the cultural season to engage with the region’s cultural season. From this festival and other major events, what you’ll find are creative communities that are not simply nascent or “rising” but have built up an whole landscape that is enduring.

Finally, the visit provides a perception of Accra that serves as a manifesto for environmental protection and the keeping alive of heritage. It is a powerful tribute to perseverance in all its manifestations.