Ghana, Sierra Leone and Germany unite for GERGHANSAL 2027 art exhibition

GERGHANSAL 2027, an international art exhibition bringing together artists from Ghana, Sierra Leone and Germany, is set to take place in Düsseldorf from April 9 to May 10, 2027.

The exhibition, themed “Bridging Cultures Through Art”, will provide a platform for artists from the three countries to showcase their works, engage in cultural exchange and explore opportunities within the international art market. Ghanaian artists Edwin Adokwei Boye and Putin Ofori Bempong will represent Ghana at the exhibition.

The event is being organised as an African led cultural initiative aimed at strengthening artistic and cultural ties between Africa and Europe while creating opportunities for artists to exhibit, network, participate in workshops and explore international collaborations.

Speaking at a press briefing, Project Coordinator for Europe, Abdul Fadul Kamara, said the initiative was established to promote African art internationally while encouraging Africans to take a leading role in presenting and promoting their own creative works.

“The main motive is to promote African art in Düsseldorf in Germany. We are now trying to establish it in Africa in a way that we bring it to the African people. The main motive is to shine a light on the artwork of African art in Africa itself,” he said.

Mr Kamara said the organisers were seeking partnerships and sponsorship from institutions, businesses and individuals to support various aspects of the programme, including workshops that will allow African artists to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with audiences in Düsseldorf.

“We are looking for partners who can be part of the GERGHANSAL exhibition in Düsseldorf. We need assistance in every sector because we have artists here in Africa, so we want them to do workshops in Düsseldorf. We are looking for any partner that can partner with us so that we can reach our goal,” he said.

Project Coordinator for Africa, Kwasi Owusu Afrifa, said bringing artists from Germany, Ghana and Sierra Leone onto a common platform was intended to create stronger cultural connections between Africa and Europe.

“From Germany, Ghana and Sierra Leone on the common platform, our aim is to bridge the gap between Africa and Europe through art,” he said.

He also called for greater institutional support for Ghanaian artists seeking to take their work to international audiences, saying the creative sector deserved stronger attention and investment.

“The artists also deserve better, and it's about time government also channel its energy through arts by way of supporting artists from Ghana,” he said.

The participation of Boye and Bempong will give Ghana a direct presence at the Düsseldorf exhibition and provide an opportunity for their works to reach audiences beyond the country.

Beyond the display of artworks, GERGHANSAL 2027 is expected to create opportunities for sales, commissions, professional networking, workshops and mentorship, allowing participating artists to build relationships with collectors, cultural institutions and other creative industry stakeholders.

The organisers are therefore calling on government agencies, tourism stakeholders, businesses, cultural institutions, the media, art collectors and individuals to support the initiative and contribute to the international promotion of African art.

The exhibition is also expected to attract Africans living in the diaspora, art enthusiasts and members of the wider international creative community to Düsseldorf.

Through the participation of artists from Ghana, Sierra Leone and Germany, GERGHANSAL 2027 seeks to use art as a platform for cultural dialogue, professional exchange and stronger connections between Africa and Europe.