Recently, four accomplished and worthy daughters of Ghana, regardless of their citizenship status, were recognized for dedicating themselves to uplifting their nation by excelling in various fields amongst us. These individuals received the esteemed Bartimeus Prize for their exceptional lifelong contributions and promotion of Ghanaian arts.
The force behind changes in their lives and work stems from a constructive and ethical perspective, a comprehensive viewpoint aimed at bringing together different peoples and cultures, enhancing quality of life, and fostering genuine and measurable advancement.
MRS. FRANCES GERTRUDE ADEMOLA
(Née Quashie-Idun)
Undoubtedly known as the 'Patriarch of Modern Ghanaian Art,' Frances Gertrude Ademola, formerly named Quashie-Idun, who received her education at Achimota School, earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in English Literature in 1953. She initially worked for the Ghana Broadcasting System before securing a position as a senior producer at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. During her time there, she served as an assistant to the renowned author Chinua Achebe and attended the pivotal Writers' Conference in Kampala alongside him in 1961.
In 1962, a year later, she curated the highly acclaimed anthology titled "Reflections: Anthology of Nigerian Prose and Verse." Later, in 1969, she established The Loom, an Art and Craft store located in Accra. This significant venture would go on to become a pivotal cultural landmark in contemporary Ghana when viewed through hindsight.
Famous primarily for The Loom, she transformed it into an essential cultural hub in Ghana during the early seventies up until the early 2020s under her visionary guidance.
It was here that she left her longest-lasting impression, fostering and advocating for the creations of numerous artists and painters—both newcomers and seasoned professionals—from throughout Ghana and West Africa, presenting their skills in the finest manner possible.
Bartimeus, Delaquis, Ablade Glover, Anatsui, Setordji, Wiz, and numerous others discovered their place of belonging.
KORKOR AMARTEIFIO
Following her initiative to establish the Equity Office at the Canada Council to promote equitable grant procedures for Canadian artists from various cultural backgrounds, thereby significantly impacting the artistic landscape in both North America and Europe, Korkor Amarteifio—an influential global figure—returned to her native Ghana. There, she assumed the role of Director of Programs and Operations at the National Theatre of Ghana during the latter half of the 1990s through the beginning of 2020, which era was marked as the Golden Age of the Arts in Ghana.
A highly valuable contributor, Korkor has significantly impacted arts management by making the musical and visual creations of individuals from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas widely available to the general public. Through her efforts in promoting equitable cultural policies, organizing festivals, and developing artistic initiatives, these forms of expression have become an integral part of everyday life for many residents.
Subsequently, serving first as Chairperson and later as Vice Chairperson of the Arterial Network—a vibrant Pan-African civil society organization encompassing artists, arts professionals, and cultural sector entities—she guided the Network toward becoming a powerful advocate for creativity and innovation.
As an Art and Advocacy Consultant at the Design and Technology Institute, Korkor remains dedicated to fostering active collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and businesses. This effort aims to develop strategic policies focused on enhancing skill acquisition, bridging knowledge gaps, generating employment opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and establishing programs that help youth gain essential soft skills via involvement in creative fields.
KATI TORDA
Ghana's 'Bead Queen,' Kati, excels at crafting all sorts of items using beads. Born in Hungary but adopting Ghana as her true home following her marriage to a local resident and move there, Kati embraced life in Ghana. It was here that she realized decorative beads offered her a distinctive way to connect with her adopted culture.
Renowned for her community initiatives and educational sessions at Sun Trade Beads—a leading enterprise established in 1996 aimed at enhancing and popularizing traditional Aggrey Beads within Ghanaian culture—Kati channels her passion for beads here and encourages creative expression across various demographics.
As one of the founding members of the Ghana Bead Society, she has devoted her life to producing and promoting beads in Ghana. Her efforts have significantly contributed to elevating the study and trade of these decorative items from a traditional practice to a contemporary and refined form of artistic enjoyment and motivation.
BROOKS:
In simple terms, Brooks Anne Robinson has had a significant influence on American culture in Ghana since the late 1980s, after joining the U.S. Embassy in Accra as the Cultural Affairs Officer.
During her tenure as a diplomat in Ghana, Brooks meticulously identified and presented to us the finest talents in art, music, and education for our enlightenment.
As an American citizen, she entered the Foreign Service in 1985 and was initially posted to Accra in 1986. She later returned to serve as the Public Affairs Officer from 1997 to 2002.
Throughout her 28-year diplomatic tenure focused mainly on African issues, she worked at various embassies including those in Ghana, Nigeria, Swaziland, and Liberia, as well as at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
Brooks facilitated a grant for the Ghana Bead Society, which funded both the establishment of the Bead Museum at the University of Ghana and the production of a book.
With her experience spanning multiple tiers of the Fulbright educational program’s administration—which supported numerous Ghanaians from undergraduate to distinguished scholar level—Brooks made significant contributions to advancing the professional journeys of many key figures in academia and art within Ghana. Her influence helped shape the trajectories of department heads, senior lecturers, professors, pro vice chancellors, and vice chancellors across the country through both major initiatives and minor yet meaningful actions.
The list encompasses Ghana’s previous head of state, the late Professor John Atta-Mills, as well as our present Vice President Naana Opoku-Agyemang and her spouse, Professor Kwadwo Opoku-Agyemang, who served twice as a Fulbright Scholar in Residence. Additionally, Brooks has made significant contributions to the realm of Ghanaian art collecting, thereby enhancing broader academic and cultural spheres.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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