Arts exhibition commemorates International Women’s Day

Some of the paintings on display at the Accra International Press Centre

THE Women Arts Institute of Africa (WAIN) yesterday held an arts exhibition in Accra as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day.

The exhibition, on the theme: “To express, to freedom and to heal”, according to the Director of the institute, Ms Akwele Suma Glory, was to draw attention to the creative side of women.

Items such as paintings, collage (patchwork), artifacts, clothing and accessories, among others, were on display.

Ms Suma told the Daily Graphic that women artists had been relegated to the background, as there had not been enough orientation on their work.

“Women’s creativity and experiences could be utilised to solve societal problems,” she said.

She also expressed regret at the general neglect of the artistry industry, which she said could be packaged in a manner that could generate direct investment and the needed revenue for development.

She appealed to the government to look inward and create space for women artists, while maximising their potential.

A gender and development expert, Ms Marian Tackie,  called for technical and financial support for women in the creative industry.

SOURCE: Della Russel Ocloo, Daily Graphic, Fri March 9, 2012