This year’s event is under the theme: “Showcasing the Rich Diversity of Ghanaian Culture through the Performing Arts,” and includes a Legend Night to honour distinguished contrib­utors to the arts, a senior high school theatre performance supported by veteran playwright Uncle Ebo White, a sympo­sium on arts taxation, as well as exhibitions, master class, dance aerobics, live painting and a food bazaar.

Highlighting the importance of the event, Mr Malm said the festival provided a platform for expression, interaction and reflection on the achievements, challenges and prospects of the theatre industry.

“It’s about theatre, our diversity and our heritage. After a year of working, facing obstacles and making gains, the festival gives us the opportunity to reflect and see what new strides we can take together,” he stated.

According to Mr Malm, modest contributions would be required to attend some of the theatre shows to support the sus­tainability of the industry, while other activities will remain free.

He added that the inclusion of children and youth through platforms such as Fun World was deliberate to nurture the next generation of creatives.

On his part, the Regional Cultural Education Coordinator of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Desmond Ali Alhas­san Gasanga, said the festival was in line with GES’s renewed focus on cultural and creative arts education.

He explained that the introduc­tion of Creative Arts and Design at the basic school level and Per­forming Arts at the senior high school level made the festival an essential platform for practical engagement.

“Our joy is that this festival will go a long way in enhancing the study of these new subjects. In the end, it will help strength­en the human resource base for Ghana’s cultural and creative sector,” Mr Gasanga noted.