Ghanaian Artists on the Global Art Market: A Socio-Economic Inquiry into the “Silent Revolution”

International workshop series

RESEARCHING ART MARKET PRACTICES FROM PAST TO PRESENT AND TOOLS FOR THE FUTURE  

Workshop 6:

International Workshop: Financial Structures and Practices on the Art Market

Université Sorbonne Nouvelle & IESA Arts & Culture, Paris,

11-12 June 2021
 

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to generate new insights into the creative and cultural industries (CCIs) in Ghana and the international art scene. Specifically, to use a multipronged approach (both qualitative and quantitative) to analyse the surge in popularity of Ghanaian artists and their impact on the global contemporary art market. Among the strategic policy objectives and core functions of Ghana’s Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry, is to develop a competitive creative arts industry and conduct research into regional and global trends in Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.  This initiative forms an integral part of the ministry’s strategic moves for the promotion, sustainable growth and development of CCIs in Ghana. Yet the ministry itself has provided very scanty research findings or published current information on the global art market trends and Ghana’s socio-economic position in the contemporary art world. The bulk of relevant information documenting the surge in demand of artworks by Ghanaian artists largely remains fragmented in exhibition catalogues, magazines, podcasts, online blogs, studio talks, art forums and a few recent publications. With art economists, art historians and critics paying little attention to this trend in the art world, this study becomes essential as Ghana continually carves a niche market in the global art economy to satisfy the economic and aesthetic demands of private art collectors, museums, galleries and art investors. The empirical and theoretical knowledge generated through this research will provide the basic groundworks that will lead to government intervention, policy review, legal reforms and the reevaluation of the art education curriculum in Ghana.  The discussion will primarily focus on young Ghanaian artists on the international art stage and artists working within the contemporary art scene in Ghana. 

Keywords: Policy, CCIs, Art, Auction, Curating, Culture, Public, Economics, Employment, Law

The Research was funded by DANIDA under the Advancing Creative Industries in Ghana research project.

Visit: https://www.creativeghana.org