Curatorial interventions for lesser known art-forms in Ghana.

Abstract

Ghana abounds in interesting yet unacknowledged art forms of great value spread along the length and breadth of the country. From the home to the farm; from the bed room to the kitchen; from the parties to the funerals, the functionalities of these lesser known art forms are put to use and manipulated. Whilst other art forms enjoy museum collections, displays and elaborate exhibitions, the lesser known Art forms remain in the dark, even though they are very close to us. Interestingly however, low recognition and neglect have affected the production of the lesser known art forms, a phenomenon that has motivated the conduct of this study. The study therefore sought to elicit attention and recognition for these important cultural art forms through curatorial interventions. Efforts were made at investigating what are lesser known art forms, the philosophical bases for their creation as well as their aesthetic values in the Ghanaian society. A select group of One hundred and thirty (130) individuals comprising curators, crafts producers and rural inhabitants were purposively sampled to take part in the study. The outcome of the study indicated that lesser known art forms are gradually fading away from contemporary Ghana. The study therefore recommended the inclusion of lesser known art forms in museum collections, preservation, documentation and displays of other curatorial activities so that their place as viable art forms in the society would be established and appreciated