The Africa Prime Initiative (API), the philanthropic arm of US-based video streaming platform Africa Prime, and Accra-based Gallery Soview have announced the five winners of its grant program for emerging artists in Ghana. Each artist will receive US$2,000 to create new artworks, further their artistic careers, develop their skills, and gain exposure through an exhibition at Gallery Soview.

API’s mission is to give a voice to emerging African talent and help authentic African voices take control of the continent’s international narrative.

The selection process was highly competitive, with more than 50 applications received. The jury, consisting of representatives from API and Gallery Soview, evaluated each submission based on criteria such as artistic medium and quality of the application and portfolio.

The winning artists are:

Emmanuel Afriyie Arthur, a painter and sculptor, addresses social issues through his thought-provoking works inspired by Ghana's slum areas.

Quarshie Dela, a contemporary artist, creates powerful anthropomorphic figures using acrylic on canvas and 3D acrylic paint to explore identity, transformation, and mental health.

Elroy Salam, a photographer and video artist, delves into the complexities of the human experience, navigating themes of spirituality, the environment and identity. “My art is about empowering people and building connections. I want viewers to confront their own vulnerabilities and embrace the complexities of being human”, said Salam.

Hannah Baah Entsiful, known for her evocative photography and storytelling, explores beauty norms, discrimination against minorities, and empowerment of marginalised communities in her project ‘Dear Woman’. “The grant will enable me to devote the necessary resources to bring Dear Women to fruition and spark dialogue about celebrating the resilience and beauty of black women”, Entsiful explains.

Mary-Jo Adjetey, a multidisciplinary artist, blends traditional and digital media to create installations and multi-sensory experiences that tell a story through art. Her recent project, ‘Sit By The Fireshide’, was on show at the ‘Echoes of Ghana’ exhibition in December 2023.

Yaya Moussa, Founder of Africa Prime and the Africa Prime Initiative, said:

“These five artists are representative of the vibrancy, colour, and diversity of Ghana’s art scene. Their unique perspectives and creative approaches shine light on important issues and they are deserving of a platform to showcase their work to a wider Ghanaian, African and global audience.”

Founded in 2022, API has provided grants to artists in Namibia, in collaboration with the StArt Art Gallery, and in Madagascar, in partnership with Fonds Yavarhoussen. Two years later, the initiative expanded its reach to support emerging artists in Ghana.

Gallery Soview, a contemporary art gallery located in Accra, has played a crucial role in the selection process. The gallery gathered submissions, assessed the merits of each application, and will work with the winning artists on their creative journeys. Gallery Soview will also host an exhibition featuring the grant winner’s work in September 2024.

Barbara Kokpavo Janvier, Gallery Soview’s Founder and Director said:

“I have been greatly impressed by the work of the artists who applied for this award, which underscores the importance of further supporting youth and artistic endeavours. I am deeply grateful to have contributed to the realisation of this exceptional project. Congratulations to the winners, whose promising talents enrich and inspire the Ghanaian art scene. A heartfelt thank you to Yaya Moussa, without whom this project would not have been possible, and to the API team for their support in effectively implementing this process.”

To find out more about the artists and the upcoming exhibition, visit @gallerysoview on Instagram and Facebook, or email hello@gallerysoview.com.