Dr Ziblim Iddi, Deputy Tourism Minister
Ghana has been selected to host the second edition of the Emerging Arts Scenes in Africa Conference slated for July 29 to August 7 in Accra.
The event? which is in partnership with the International Theatre Institute (ITI)-Ghana Chapter and the Community Youth Cultural Centre (CYCC) ? is aimed at showcasing young talents across the African continent.
The 10-day conference, which will be held at the Ghana Academy of Arts & Sciences and the CYCC, is also to create avenues for the youth to network with one another across the continent.
As part of the conference, there will be workshops and performances from young and old artistes from the African region, with over 20 resource facilitators coming from Africa, Asia and America.
Vice-President of the Executive Council of ITI, Global, Dr. Hamadou Mande, who launched the event, commended the board of ITI, Ghana Chapter for their efforts in putting the conference together.
He said the first edition of the conference was held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where over 100 people participated.
Dr. Mande, who led a three-member delegation, said they are in the country to lend their support to the organising committee, adding that the ITI, Global, would provide technical assistance in terms of support to the conference.
“This is further meant to create platforms for international exchange and engagement in performing arts education for both emerging artistes and professionals, as well as the use of the performing arts for mutual understanding,” he added.
According to him, there will also be the 8th Africa Regional Council meeting on the sidelines of the conference.
Dr. Akosua Abdallah, the Director of CYCC, on her part, said as part of the centre’s 30th anniversary celebration, management decided to partner ITI, Ghana Chapter to organise the conference.
She said the centre was established in 1989 to harness and promote young talents within the arts.
Dr. Abdallah indicated that they have successfully trained young people in aspects such as the performing arts, visual arts and promoting sports activities.
She said the working theme for the anniversary is ‘building a Ghana without aid; the artistic dimension’.