While most of us are scrolling through the latest red carpet looks, a group of powerhouse Ghanaian creatives just pulled off something much deeper in the heart of Italy.
In a groundbreaking move that’s blending high art with social activism, Ghanaian artists have taken over Lecce, Italy, for a massive international project dubbed “Decolonising Heritage.” This isn’t just an art show; it’s a cultural takeover aimed at “liberating the imagination” and rewriting history.
The Vibe: Art with a Purpose
Led by the visionary Artlife Matters (Ghana) in collaboration with Italy’s Ramdom and Museo Castromediano, the project brought the flavor of West Africa to the Mediterranean. The goal? To challenge the old-school colonial lens and show the world that African heritage is a living, breathing, and powerful force.
The Showstoppers: A 6-Foot Totem & A Museum Parade
The highlights of the week were nothing short of cinematic:
- The Totem: Artist Kwame Akoto-Bamfo (the legend behind the Nkyinkyim Museum) and his Osramba team built a striking six-foot concrete totem in just two and a half days! Located in Castrignano di Greci, the statue stands as a “bridge” between the ancestral past and our modern identity.
- The “Echoes of Home” Parade: Imagine a museum coming to life! The Ghanaian collective led an unconventional, high-energy parade through the Museo Castromediano, filling the historic halls with color, music, and “healing vibes” for the local migrant community.
What the Leaders are Saying
Eric Agyare, the founder of Artlife Matters and the project’s curatorial lead, kept it real: “Decolonising heritage doesn’t mean rejecting the West; it means re-centring African perspectives and reclaiming the stories silenced by colonial systems.” Basically? The lions are finally telling their own stories.
Why We’re Obsessed
This project proves that the Ghanaian creative scene isn’t just about the music and the fashion (though we love those, too!)—it’s about global leadership. By taking over Italian museums and public squares, these artists are showing the world that our culture is not a “relic” to be looked at, but a vibe to be experienced.
The takeaway? Ghana isn’t just on the map; we’re redrawing it.