| This ethnographical study explores the socioeconomic relevance of the traditional visual arts to the people of Kumasi and surrounding villages. Open-ended questions, photographing, and archival research guided the study to ascertain: (i) whether the people of Kumasi and surrounding villages have technical and managerial skills related to their traditional visual arts occupations; (ii) whether they have developed any strategies for coping with their production and marketing problems; (iii) whether this form of occupation is one of their main source of livelihood; (iv) whether they are developing a business or they just want to maintain tradition; (v) whether government and non-governmental (NGOs) arts support agencies play any role in the development and promotion of the traditional visual arts; and (vi) under which conditions could the success stories of Central and Latin America be applied to Ghana.; The participants in this study were 80 male and female active traditional visual artists comprising of individuals, families, work groups and cooperatives. Officials and three art support agencies were also intensively interviewed.; Findings of the study revealed that the level of production of traditional visual artists in Kumasi and surrounding villages is low due to a low level of investment capital, inadequate marketing opportunities, and lack of government support programs. Also, the data revealed that increase in production could generate more income for the artists and improve their livelihood. In addition, there is a need for the establishment of an independent organization to be solely responsible for the development, preservation, promotion, and marketing of the traditional visual arts.; This study provides support strategies for all stakeholders who are responsible for the development and promotion of the traditional visual arts in Ghana. It also contributes useful insights for the development of the traditional visual arts industry as a means of livelihood not only for the people of Kumasi and surrounding villages, but also other rural communities in Africa. In addition, this study provides useful data for individuals and institutions that are interested in setting up small-scale rural cottage industries.; Finally, this study provides data for future studies for those interested in the maintenance and preservation of art traditions, and for further research. |
