A one-day orientation programme has been organized for arts and craftsmen in the Sekondi-Takoradi for grants towards a transnational festival in June as part of the
implementation of the Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP). Over fifty artisans from the various disciplines of arts and crafts attended the programme.
Addressing the programme, the Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi, Hon. Abdul-Mumin Issah, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential benefits of the transnational event for
the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. He recounted his visit to Palermo last year, emphasizing the city's wealth of historic artefacts and captivating artistic scenery.
Stressing the significance of finishing touches in the Arts and Crafts industry, he encouraged artisans to prioritize finishing and packaging for their works.
He further emphasized that the project aimed to support artisans and craftsmen to enhance their creativity, elevate the quality of their products,
and provide them the platforms to showcase their works at an international festival.
The first resource person for the programme, Professor Owusu-Ansah, Vice Dean of Applied Arts at Takoradi Technical University, outlined the criteria to evaluate applications including artistic quality, originality of the work, relevance to the theme, professionalism, and cultural authenticity. Madam Ursula Tawiah, the Regional Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, also noted strategies for elevating arts and crafts to meet international standards. She advised artisans to benchmark their products with certified international standards, focusing on the materials used, finishing techniques, and the social enterprise aspect of their products. Closing the programme, the Metro Co-ordinating Director expressed gratitude to the participants for their interest in the project, which promises to elevate the Metropolis to new heights. He advised participants to consider the long-term impact of their products, emphasizing the importance of gaining international recognition beyond the immediate benefits of the project grants.
Some of the participants praised the effort of the Assembly to support the arts and crafts industry in the Metropolis. They urged the Assembly to ensure a sustainable strategy to support the industry's growth and also improve the living conditions of the craftsmen. The Sekondi-Takoradi and Palermo Transnational Cultural Festival is being organized with the theme “Projecting Sekondi-Takoradi Through Creative Arts”. The five-day event is scheduled for the first week in June 2024 at the Sekondi Youth Center and Methodist Park. The event will be characterized by an exhibition, symposium, arts competition for Senior High Schools, and others.