In 2027, Ghana will mark a significant milestone—70 years since it became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. To honor this momentous occasion, the National Museum of Ghana is proud to announce a monumental exhibition, Ghana 1957: Art After Independence, which explores the profound influence of Ghana’s independence on the visual arts, art education, and exhibition making. This exhibition is a collaborative effort between the museum, artists, curators, and academics from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Michigan (USA).

The exhibition is designed to reflect on how Ghana’s historic independence shaped and inspired artists both in Ghana and internationally. It also examines how this pivotal event in history continues to influence the country’s cultural and commercial systems, creating a rich tapestry of artistic expression. From local artisans to international visionaries, this exhibition will bring together diverse perspectives to showcase the transformative power of Ghana’s post-independence era.

Exhibition Overview

Ghana 1957: Art After Independence is more than a historical retrospective; it is an exploration of the many ways in which artists responded to and contributed to the cultural momentum of the independence movement. The exhibition will include works from a wide array of mediums—paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more. It will also highlight significant events, key figures, and institutions that shaped the visual arts in both pre-independence and post-colonial Ghana.

The exhibition is set to run from Saturday, September 21, 2024, to Saturday, March 29, 2025, offering daily opportunities for visitors to engage with these works. This event promises to be a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.

Key Collaborators

This exhibition is made possible through the collaborative efforts of various esteemed institutions, including the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), KNUST, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). These organizations have worked together to curate a diverse and compelling collection of artworks and archival materials that tell the story of Ghana’s artistic evolution from 1957 to the present day.

Notable contributors include:

• Curators: kąrî’kạchä seid’ou, Kwaku Boafo Kissiedu, Bernard Akoi-Jackson, Adwoa Amoah, Adjo Kisser, and others.
• Collaborating Institutions: Public Records and Archives Administration Department of Ghana (PRAAD), Information Services Department of Ghana (ISD), blaxTARLINES KUMASI, Foundation for Contemporary Art – Ghana, and more.
• Exhibition Design: Ato Annan, Nana Bonsu Adja-Sai, and a talented team of designers and artists.

Exhibition Highlights

• Artist Contributions: The exhibition will feature works from acclaimed Ghanaian artists like Philip Morland Amonoo, including his iconic piece Naming of a Child (before 1962). These pieces will offer visitors a glimpse into the artistic responses to the political and social changes brought about by independence.
• Interactive Experiences: As part of this long-durational project, the public is invited to contribute their own knowledge, memories, and artifacts related to Ghana’s independence era. This interactive approach allows for a rich and engaging dialogue about the role of art in Ghana’s history.
• Historical Archives: In addition to the artworks, the exhibition will display archival materials from institutions like PRAAD and ISD. These records provide invaluable context for understanding the evolution of Ghana’s art scene in relation to its independence.

Exhibition Details

• Opening Reception:
  Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 4:00 PM
  National Museum of Ghana, Barnes Road, Accra
• Exhibition Hours:
  Open daily from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday to Sunday)
• Closing Date:
  Saturday, March 29, 2025

Visitors to this exhibition will be immersed in a rich visual and historical experience, offering insight into the ways in which Ghana’s fight for independence shaped the country’s artistic landscape. This event not only commemorates the past but also invites dialogue on the future of art and cultural heritage in Ghana.

For more information, please contact:
+233 (0) 264 985 396
+233 (0) 244 527 432

We look forward to seeing you at this landmark exhibition!