Prince Kojo-Hilton, Pan African Art Ambassador, Champions Creation of Regional Visual Arts Colleges in Ghana
Prince Kojo-Hilton, a distinguished Pan African Art Ambassador, is advocating for the establishment of dedicated visual arts colleges in each of Ghana’s 16 regions. His call aims to create structured educational pathways for Senior High School graduates who wish to pursue careers in visual arts but may not follow the traditional university route.
Kojo-Hilton, renowned for his contributions as a production designer, muralist, special effects artist, and founder of Hilwood Studio, also leads the Visual Arts Students Empowerment Project (VASEP). He emphasized the urgent need for institutions that can nurture raw talent into professional artistry, referencing the now-defunct Ghanatta College of Art and Design—once a launchpad for many of Ghana’s finest artists—as a vital model worth reviving.
“We must rebuild and expand such institutions across the nation,” he stated. “Our young artists need opportunities to sharpen their skills and thrive.”
His remarks followed a National Creative Arts Dialogue convened by Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, on May 8, 2025, in Accra. The gathering brought together leaders from various associations, unions, and guilds within Ghana’s creative arts space to identify sector challenges and propose actionable solutions.
Representing the visual arts sector and drawing on his experience as the former Chairman of the Ghana Association of Visual Artists in Greater Accra, Kojo-Hilton used the platform to highlight the long-standing lack of formal training institutions dedicated to the visual arts. He revealed that he has already developed a comprehensive proposal outlining a roadmap for the creation of regional visual arts colleges, designed to build capacity and promote sustainability in the sector.
Grounded in the proven success of VASEP and years of practical industry engagement, the proposal will be formally presented to the sector Minister in the coming week for consideration and possible support.
According to Kojo-Hilton, the VASEP initiative has already yielded remarkable outcomes, with many of its beneficiaries securing awards, international opportunities, and successful careers in visual design and art.
“Visual artists are central to every creative production you see—from set design to animation—yet we remain consistently underrepresented. It’s time to rewrite that story,” he declared.
As Ghana’s Pan African Art Ambassador, Kojo-Hilton reaffirmed his commitment to leading capacity-building initiatives and fostering artistic excellence not only in Ghana but across the continent.