Efforts to streamline Ghana’s creative industry and eliminate gender-based inequities have received a major boost following the launch of the Behind the Scenes, or BtS, Ghana Dissemination Project.
The initiative, spearheaded by the International Centre for Research on Women, the University of Cape Coast, and the Creative Arts Agency, aims to tackle deep-seated challenges facing young women in the sector.
The first phase of the research dissemination, dubbed the “Gender, Youth and Creative Art Exhibition,” brought together stakeholders, policymakers, and budding youth artists at the Ghana Library Authority in Accra.
However, beyond celebrating raw talent, structural and legal transformation remains critical to fixing what experts describe as “chaos” within the sector.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency, Gideon Aryeequaye, revealed that a specialized committee has been set up to fine-tune and iron out the specific rules and regulations governing the industry.
According to him, the Creative Arts Act established in the year 2020 has as part of its mandate to regulate the creative sector.
He added, saying, “There are currently some blanket regulations around, but that’s not what we’re going to work with. That is for us as an agency, and for the industry people, and for them to conform and follow to the letter each regulation, the do’s and don’ts of the industry.”
Mr. Aryeequaye emphasized that once these regulations are clearly spelt out and publicized across social and traditional media, compliance will be mandatory.
He warned that the Creative Arts Act carries heavy legal consequences for individuals and corporate bodies who choose to disregard the new directives, warning of stiff penalties, including jail time, for industry players who flout the law.
Country Lead, BTS Research Project, Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro, also expressed concern over the lack of attention given to gender responsiveness within the National Cultural Policy.
She hinted that this research project is set to generate evidence to drive policymakers to make informed decisions on gender sensitivity that benefits the future cultural and creative arts policy.
She expressed hope that the research project will create an enabling, equitable environment for women within the Creative Arts Industry.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Padiki Art Gallery, Sharon Dede Padi, on her part, urged especially young women to pursue their dreams in the arts and not let anyone take their shine.
As part of the launch, six selected senior high schools competed in a live painting contest to depict the realities of female artists in Ghana. St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School took the ultimate prize, while St. Mary’s Senior High and Accra High School secured second and third positions, respectively.
The project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, focuses on revealing and addressing gender-based inequities in the local creative space.
As part of the launch, six selected senior high schools competed in a live painting contest to depict the realities of female artists in Ghana. St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School took the ultimate prize, while St. Mary’s Senior High and Accra High School secured second and third positions, respectively.
The project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, focuses on revealing and addressing gender-based inequities in the local creative space.
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