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In the wake of over 50 issues exploring the global Black diaspora, this represents a final piece. The journey has been deeply rewarding, and sincere thanks offered to every one of the attentive followers.

Inside the Cultural Week

Experiencing the showcases, artworks and shows of this event, one sees how the finest art nourishes and shapes a country’s past and character. The centrepiece was undoubtedly Clottey's exquisite [Dis]Appearing Rituals: An Open Lab of Now for Tomorrow, which put his innovative afrogallonism for all to see: a philosophy that reimagines water vessels into illusory art pieces, tapestries of golden hues. The exhibition was created as a homage to the endurance of the historic district, a historic area of Accra.

Jamestown – predominantly inhabited by the Ga ethnic group, a community of fishermen – is additionally where many formerly enslaved people came back from South America and made their home in the 1830s. Known as the Tabom, they carried with them Brazilian tongue and traditions.

Throughout Jamestown, one observes a fusion of architecture. There’s Fort Vicentia, boasting its unique Portuguese masonry and curved entrances. One can also see the prominent Jamestown Lighthouse, erected in the 1871 and subsequently featuring its distinctive red-and-white-striped appearance.

Customs of Remembrance

Furthermore remarkable about Jamestown is the ever-present sight of obituary announcements. Wherever you look, whether covering alleyways or on sizable signboards, one finds announcements and phrases of mourning. In Jamestown, similar to the rest of Ghana, memorial services are significant communal events.

In the artist's spectacular show, all of the visual and auditory essence of Jamestown are present – particularly in the enveloping beach-themed work. In this space, you’re soothed by the sound of crashing waves with granules underfoot, while shelters, hanging fishing nets and representations of boats pay homage to its spirited, generational maritime community. However standing in this venue, it's hard to ignore the piles of discarded clothing that compromise the charm and peace of the region.

Apart from the Centrepiece

The festival program included much more. Within an incomplete building at the campus, artist Sylvester exhibited On the Other Side of Languish, an emotionally powerful, minimalist show that displayed three-dimensional works and artworks produced in collaboration with metalworkers.

And then there is the prestigious art award for Ghanaian women creators. It included the inaugural exhibition of a recent laureate, whose work utilizes historical documents to create a depiction of life in the nation's recent history. The event also announced a new winner, whose multidisciplinary work is intensely invested in the craft techniques of women in a specific region.

A Permanent Legacy

While the diaspora has grown been drawn home to west Africa in the winter months, an increasing number are considering visiting earlier in the year to experience the region’s festival period. From this festival and other major events, what is evident are creative communities that are not simply emerging or “upcoming” but have established an complete landscape that is here to stay.

Ultimately, the journey provides a vision of Accra that serves as a declaration for environmental protection and the preservation of tradition. It is a compelling homage to perseverance in all its expressions.