The foundation organizes exhibitions, events, and workshops aimed at nurturing and supporting artists in Ghana who are underrepresented or face economic challenges.
On a bright October day during Accra Cultural Week — an annual event organized by Gallery 1957 celebrating Ghanaian art — art lovers gathered at the La Foundation for The Arts (LAFA) to experience “In Search of Blue,” an exhibition showcasing works from underrepresented Ghanaian and Ivorian artists. Featuring innovative pieces in shades of blue, the exhibition highlighted talents like Edward Ofosu, Claude-Yankick Driatehe, Samuel Oseigyei, and Nana Kwasi Kumi Koranteng.
Located near Labadi Beach, LAFA is a non-profit dedicated to supporting emerging artists in Ghana. The foundation’s transparent walls invite the local community to engage with its mission, as schoolchildren and aspiring artists often stop by to admire or seek support. LAFA offers resources, workshops, and training in professional practices like contracting, legal guidance, and career development for economically disadvantaged artists, bridging gaps in Ghana’s developing art ecosystem.
Ama Bartels-Kodwo, LAFA’s development and fundraising coordinator, emphasizes the foundation’s role in nurturing homegrown talent that might otherwise be lost to better-supported art scenes abroad. LAFA’s open-door policy removes industry barriers, creating a welcoming space for emerging artists to explore their craft without fear of exclusivity or exploitation. “We want to ensure that local artists have the resources they need to succeed here in Ghana,” Bartels-Kodwo says, underscoring the foundation’s goal to foster a sustainable and thriving art sector in Ghana.
Institutions like LAFA, Accra Culture Week, and the Dikan Center are pivotal in shaping Accra’s art landscape. Bartels-Kodwo believes that formalized government support for the arts would strengthen the sector and boost tourism, allowing Ghana to tell its unique stories through contemporary African art.