By Maltiti Sayida Sadick
The British Council in Accra recently hosted the inaugural Creative Summit, a landmark event that brought together some of the finest photographers and creatives from across Africa. The event was organized by Revive Minds in collaboration with the British Council, Ghana.
A renowned celebrity photographer Dennis Temituro, said the summit served as a platform for the exchange of ideas aimed at advancing the creative industry on the continent.
Dennis Temituro, who is also a graphic designer, video editor, and cinematographer, shared his inspiring journey into photography, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-taught and driven by a passion to uplift others, Temituro launched the “Revive Minds” initiative, through which he hopes to mentor and nurture the skills of young creatives. His vision is to empower the youth to achieve financial independence through their acquired talents in the creative space.
Speaking at the event, Kojo Soboh, Executive Director of Emy Africa, urged young creatives to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. He lamented the prevalence of mediocrity in Africa despite its vast potential and called on the youth to harness their skills effectively to create tangible benefits. “There is a need to manage, package, and present our potential in the most excellent form,” Soboh emphasized.
Akushika Aquaye, Director of Television at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, encouraged participants to recognize the intrinsic value of art in everyday life. She stressed the importance of supporting creatives in Ghana, noting that everything in life is a work of art.
Kelechi Amadi-Obi, a celebrated photographer from Nigeria, described as a force in photography by Vogue, and a special guest at the summit, lauded Temituro’s efforts in supporting young creatives. He highlighted the importance of gratitude and fearlessness in the creative industry, urging young artists to remain true to their unique visions despite societal pressures. “Creatives must be fearless in being different,” Amadi-Obi stated, adding that this courage is what distinguishes iconic figures in the industry.
Also present was Yaw Pare, a celebrated Ghanaian self taught photographer and panel member, who addressed the misrepresentation of Ghana and Africa online. He called on creatives to work towards changing the narrative that often paints the continent in a negative light.
Precious Adjoa Madu, Projects Officer for Arts and Culture at the British Council, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting young creatives. She highlighted several initiatives, including sponsoring music professionals to attend the Great Escape Festival this year and supporting literature creatives at the Cheltenham and Momentum Festivals in the UK. Madu expressed enthusiasm for the Revive Minds project and the Council’s continued support for such initiatives.
Honourable Kojo Yankeh, patron of Revive Minds, and founder of the biggest Pan African Museum in Ghana called on national development actors to engage with the summit’s exhibitions. He emphasized that no country can develop without recognizing the contributions of creatives, as art, music, and exhibitions play a crucial role in preserving and telling history.
The Creative Summit marks a significant step forward for the creative industry in Ghana and Africa, setting the stage for future collaborations and growth within the sector.
