Beatrice Bee Arthur Highlights Creative Arts as Key to Shaping Young Minds and Addressing Environmental Issues at Early Fest 2024
Beatrice Bee Arthur, renowned fashion designer and recipient of the 2001 KORA All Africa Fashion Award, has underscored the essential role of creative practitioners in educating children about environmental issues. Speaking as the Ghana Culture Forum Team Leader and a member of the Global Fashioning Assembly (GiFt), Arthur shared her insights ahead of Early Fest 2024, an event spearheaded by the Teria Foundation for Early Education.
The festival, themed “The Role of Creative Practitioners in Shaping Young Minds and Raising Awareness about Pressing Environmental Issues,” is set for Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra, Ghana, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The theme aligns closely with Arthur’s advocacy for sustainability and eco-conscious education.
Arthur emphasized the need to engage children, who she referred to as “future custodians of our planet,” in learning about climate change, pollution, recycling, and sustainable living. She believes embedding these values early fosters creativity and responsibility, enabling children to devise innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
She highlighted the power of creative arts—spanning painting, sculpture, cinema, theatre, dance, fashion, music, poetry, and digital media—in driving behavioral change. Arthur particularly praised the use of repurposed and recycled materials in art projects, which not only promote sustainability but also inspire children to see potential in waste materials.
“Through art, we nurture creativity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility, ensuring tomorrow’s leaders are prepared to tackle environmental challenges innovatively,” Arthur stated. She added that workshops led by creative professionals can teach children valuable eco-friendly practices while inspiring lifelong habits that contribute to a greener planet.
Early Fest 2024 is expected to attract a diverse audience and foster collaborations between children and creative practitioners, creating a vibrant platform for building a sustainable future through art and innovation.