Written by Jaden Parker

Ghana’s art scene is booming, and I had absolutely no idea about it. I had the chance to sit down with Selasie Gomado, a co-founder of Artemartis, a creative art space in Ghana; and he let me in on all that’s going on in Accra. 

Tell me a bit about you. What is your role in Artemartis?

I am Selasie Gomado, a 27-year old Ghanaian from Tema, who embarked on a journey that began with a Mechanical Engineering degree. Despite my technical background, my heart was drawn to the world of art. I co-founded Artemartis in 2018, where I play multiple roles, but mainly focus on the role of Creative Director, collaborating closely with talented visual artists, blending their creativity to bring captivating visions to life.

How amazing! So, what first prompted you to create a creative art space in Ghana? Was that decision in any way related to your upbringing?

The inspiration behind creating a creative art space in Ghana was deeply rooted in my personal journey. Growing up surrounded by Ghana’s vibrant artistic culture, I developed a strong affinity for creativity, especially in school, where I often found myself befriending art students. I had many dreams as a child, and one of them was to be an artist; but circumstances found me applying to study engineering in university. 

My decision to start Artemartis was a natural evolution, as I sought to meld my technical education, my experience with engineering design and project management, and my love for art/creativity. This endeavor was undoubtedly influenced by my upbringing, which fostered a profound appreciation for the arts and a drive to contribute to the artistic landscape I find myself in.

How do you choose which artists to work with since there are only eight at a time? What are the requirements of application?

In our art agency, our approach is centered around nurturing a select group of artists, with a deliberate focus on long-term vision and growth. We intentionally work with a limited number of artists at any given time – usually eight – to ensure that each artist receives personalized attention and support. 

Our selection criteria revolve around identifying individuals who not only exhibit exceptional artistic talent but also demonstrate a clear and ambitious long-term artistic vision. We look for artists who are committed to their craft and are eager to evolve and explore new horizons in their work. Our aim is to foster deep, meaningful relationships with our chosen artists, empowering them to achieve their broader artistic goals while contributing to the agency’s collaborative and innovative spirit.

What was the process like of finding a space to make this dream a reality as far as finding and/or building property for the studio itself?

Securing the space for our art agency was a practical yet fulfilling process. We began by exploring potential locations in Accra and came across a suitable rented studio in Dansoman, conveniently near Osu. While it wasn’t a custom-built space, it provided the canvas for our vision to unfold. We adapted the existing studio to cater to our needs, ensuring it was conducive to artistic exploration and collaboration. This choice allowed us to focus on nurturing our artists and fostering their creativity, while the studio’s location provided accessibility for both artists and visitors alike.

Besides being the largest city in Ghana, was there a specific reason for settling the studio in Accra?

Yes, settling the studio in Accra was a deliberate choice driven by several key factors. Accra is one of the cultural and artistic hubs of Ghana. It boasts a vibrant arts scene, hosting a number of galleries, exhibitions, and creative events. By being located in Accra, Artemartis taps into this existing artistic energy and contributes to the city’s growing reputation as a center for creativity. There are also other factors like accessibility, networking opportunities, ease of access/easy commute for the artists, market presence and cultural diversity.

In essence, settling the studio in Accra aligns with Artemartis’ mission to be at the heart of Ghana’s artistic evolution. It offers a strategic location that facilitates artistic growth, exposure, collaboration, and engagement within a thriving artistic ecosystem.

How wonderful! As you’ve previously brought to my attention, the art scene in Ghana is growing quickly. So, how does Artemartis benefit that growth? How is what Artemartis is doing different from other creative platforms?

Artemartis plays a pivotal role in the rapid growth of Ghana’s art scene by offering a unique and innovative approach. Unlike other creative platforms, Artemartis focuses on a limited number of artists at a time, fostering deep and meaningful relationships that enable long-term growth. By marrying collective growth with artistic expression, we empower our artists to push boundaries and explore new horizons.

Our emphasis on a curated and personalized approach sets us apart. We collaborate closely with artists, not only showcasing their work but also providing guidance, mentorship, and resources to help them achieve their long-term artistic goals. This commitment to the artist’s journey, combined with our blend of technical insight and creativity, enriches the local art landscape. Artemartis contributes not only to individual artist growth but also to the overall elevation of artistic standards in Ghana, nurturing a sustainable and vibrant creative community.

Your artists are always pushing the boundaries. Recently, Awanle Ayiboro created a work that represented her refusal of a forced marriage. How does Artemartis create an inclusive and safe environment for artists to be completely vulnerable? 

At Artemartis, creating an inclusive and safe environment for artists to express their vulnerability is of utmost importance. We prioritize building strong relationships with our artists based on trust and mutual respect. This foundation encourages open communication and ensures that artists feel comfortable sharing their most personal and vulnerable experiences. Over the years, we have grown into a non-judgmental space where artists are free to explore their emotions and experiences without fear of criticism. This encourages them to delve deep into their creative processes, leading to authentic and impactful artistic expressions. 

We also foster a collaborative community among our artists, encouraging them to share experiences and learn from one another. This sense of solidarity helps artists realize they are not alone in their vulnerabilities and encourages them to create meaningful, thought-provoking works. Lastly, we prioritize respecting the boundaries set by artists. We encourage them to determine how much they wish to share and the level of vulnerability they are comfortable with in their art. This ensures that each artist’s journey is a deeply personal and empowering one.

Awanle Ayiboro’s powerful work is a testament to our commitment to providing a safe space for artists to explore complex and personal themes. Through our supportive environment, and collaborative community, Artemartis empowers artists to fearlessly push boundaries and create impactful art that resonates with their own experiences and the world around them.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in creating this art center? What has been your favorite moment of creating Artemartis?

The biggest challenge we faced in creating Artemartis was likely securing the right resources to fully realize our vision. From finding the ideal studio space to assembling a talented team and establishing the necessary infrastructure, every step required careful planning and resource allocation. Additionally, navigating the intricacies of merging collective growth with artistic expression posed its own set of challenges, demanding a balanced approach that sometimes required creative problem-solving.

Despite the challenges, one of my favorite moments in creating Artemartis was witnessing the transformative impact we’ve had on artists’ lives and their work and vice versa. Seeing an artist’s confidence grow as they evolve creatively, push their boundaries, and gain recognition is incredibly rewarding. The sense of community that has blossomed within the agency, where artists collaborate, share insights, and uplift each other, is something truly special. Witnessing the agency become a platform for not just art but also personal growth, connections, and cultural exchange has been a source of immense joy and pride. These moments affirm that our vision and efforts are making a positive impact in the artistic landscape of Ghana.

What are your goals for Artemartis’ future? How can people help?

Our goals for Artemartis’ future are centered around furthering our mission to be a dynamic catalyst for artistic innovation, growth, and cultural enrichment in Ghana and beyond. We aspire to continue fostering a nurturing environment where artists can flourish and push creative boundaries, while also increasing our engagement with the global art community. 

People can help by engaging with our artists, attending art exhibitions, collaborating and partnering on projects, purchasing artworks, and spreading the word. We have a website (www.theartemartis.com) and social media pages (@_artemartis on Instagram and @artemartis on Twitter) where we share updates on all our activities and the artists’ information.

Awesome! Finally, what’s something you’d like newcomers to know about the importance of what you’re doing in Ghana?  Essentially, if you could tell the world anything, what would it be?

To newcomers and the world at large, I’d like to emphasize the profound importance of what Artemartis is contributing to Ghana’s artistic landscape. Our mission isn’t just about showcasing beautiful art; it’s about cultivating a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative creative ecosystem. By providing artists with a platform to explore their unique voices, push boundaries, and share their perspectives, we’re not only enriching the cultural fabric of Ghana but also contributing to the global conversation on art and creativity.

Through Artemartis, we’re empowering artists to become change-makers, sparking dialogue on critical issues, challenging societal norms, and fostering cultural exchange. Our collective efforts contribute to the growth of individual artists, the elevation of artistic standards, and the broader socio-cultural enrichment of our society. 

By supporting and engaging with Artemartis, you’re championing the transformative power of art and creativity, and you’re helping shape a more vibrant, connected, and enlightened world.

Featured image Abdur Rahman Muhammad Image Courtesy of Artemartis, Photographed by Kwadwo Asiedu