Atuu Festival of Arts to launch on August 19

The chairman of the Joint Committee of Collection Management Organizations (JCCMOs) Mr Amoah Konadu Yamoah has assured the creative arts community that the upcoming Atuu Festival of Arts (AFA) will offer creative arts practitioners in Ghana the opportunity to showcase their talents to both a local and global audience. Mr Yamoah was speaking at a meeting between the JCCMOs and the media.

He indicated that all is set for the launch of the festival on August 19 at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra. According to him, the launch will be a snapshot of what the festival would entail when it kicks off next year.

In response to a question, Mr Yamoah refuted the suggestion that the Atuu Festival of Arts is in conflict with the Atuu programme on UTV adding that the Atuu Festival is duly registered at the Registrar General’s Department. He noted that the word “Atuu” is a word that is common in various Ghanaian cultures hence nobody can claim a monopoly on it.

The Copyright Administrator Ms Yaa Attafuah said the Atuu Festival of Arts is in response to the demand by the industry for our own festival and with the support of all and sundry in the arts and media, it will be a festival that has come to stay.

Other speakers like Rex Omar described the Atuu Festival as akin to international festivals like Midem which allows both local and international musicians and industry players alike to network and exchange ideas while showcasing their talents.

Present at the meeting were members of the planning committee for the festival. Atuu Fest will be launched on August 19 with the celebrated artist, curator and lecturer Prof Ablade Glover as the keynote speaker. Other dignitaries invited to the launch include Prof Attukwei Okai, Prof Esi Sutherland-Addy, Prof Kofi Anyidoho, Agya Koo Nimo and Alhaji Mohammed Gado. The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Catherine Abelema Afeku and Attorney General and Minister of Justice Hon Gloria Akuffo will also be in attendance.

There will be a drama sketch, poetry and musical performances by top notch artistes like Bisa K Dei and Rex Omar who will perform the theme song for the festival.