Cradle Art Center is set to hold a group exhibition dubbed “Take Your Place Beloved”, curated by Kukua Kweku-Badu, on March 13, 2024.

The exhibition is the first showcase of the inaugural edition of its Mentee Programme. Working under the mentorship of Kezia Ouomoye Owusu-Ankomah, a contributing figure in the Ghanaian art scene.

Curatorial mentee Kukua Kweku-Badu curated an eclectic and thought-provoking exhibition that showcases the diverse voices and perspectives of emerging artists.

Drawing on notes by Bell Hooks on the link between creators, their identities, and the profound narratives that unfold through their works. “Take Your Place Beloved” explores the ways art can be used to create and hold space for the self.“What does it mean to create space for oneself to exist freely?” asks the exhibition's curator. “How do we navigate the complexities of our contemporary era while finding solace and inspiration amidst the chaos?”

This showcase of the works of Micheal Badger, Asaaba, Efua Osei, and Richmond Donkor, presents the peculiar approach of each artist in creating and holding space for themselves. Together, they form a visual reflection of the nuances and complexities of individual and collective identity.

Taking a walk away from traditional gallery spaces, the curatorial approach of Kukua Kweku-Badu seeks ways of reimagining the presentation and engagement of art, thus the exhibition finds its home at Barndoor Beer Garden, a restaurant and bar in Accra.

This unconventional fusion of culinary and visual experiences invites viewers to engage with the artworks in a more casual and social setting, fostering a dialogue between diverse forms of creativity, and making the artistic experience an integral part of daily life.

Ms Kweku-Badu said, “I am excited to tell stories that highlight the diverse voices and talents of my community. This exhibition explores the work of artists whose works speak to ideas that challenge established identities, reimagine history, and push the boundaries of self-representation using new media and technology. This continues my investigations of the artist as a found system and the multifaceted dimensions of identity”.

The exhibition will be on view from March 13 to 17.

The Cradle is an art space poised to take on the Ghanaian and international art scene. The platform nurtures all art practitioners’ financial, psychological and emotional well-being. The space is committed to honing individuals’ craft and providing them with a network of opportunities to launch their careers.

It’s mentee programme; The Cradle College was established with a commitment to fostering emerging artistic and curatorial talent, this programme provides mentees with invaluable guidance, resources, and opportunities to develop their artistic and curatorial practice. In collaboration with esteemed mentors from the art world, mentees embark on a transformative journey of artistic exploration and professional development. Through mentorship courses, consultations, and hands-on experience, participants gain the skills and insights necessary to curate meaningful exhibitions and engage with contemporary art discourse.

The Cradle College Mentee Programme represents a significant milestone in the journey of our mentees, serving as a platform for them to showcase their talents and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Ghana and beyond.