The Africa Prime Initiative (API), the philanthropic arm of the US-based video streaming platform Africa Prime, has teamed up with Gallery Soview to introduce new grants for emerging Ghanaian Artists.

In 2022, API initiated a grant program for African artists in collaboration with local galleries across the continent. This initiative aimed to provide a platform for artists to showcase their art. Notably, five Namibian artists were awarded US$2,000 each to fund new projects, which were later exhibited at the ‘Rising Voices' exhibition held at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek in August 2023.

This year, API plans to extend its support to Ghanaian Artists by awarding up to US$2,000 each to five selected artists. These grants will empower artists across various visual arts disciplines, fostering skill development and the creation of new works.

Yaya Moussa, founder of Africa Prime and the Africa Prime Initiative, emphasized the mission to amplify emerging African talent globally and ensure authentic African voices are well-represented on the world stage. Moussa stated, “We want to help break down financial barriers that prevent African artists from realizing their creative visions and show the world the significant contribution African art can make.”

Gallery Soview, an independent gallery in Accra, will facilitate the grant process by collecting submissions, evaluating applications, and disbursing the awarded funds. Barbara Kokpavo Janvier, the gallery's Founder and Director, highlighted their mission to provide strategic support to artists beyond exhibiting artworks. Janvier expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with API, aiming to enable artists to sustainably earn from their artistic work and contribute to the global art ecosystem.

The grants in Ghana mark the inaugural disbursement by API, with plans to expand to other African countries in the future. Artists interested in applying for the grants can find more information and the application process on Gallery Soview's Instagram and Facebook pages or via email at [email protected].

This initiative reflects a collaborative effort to nurture and uplift emerging talent in Ghana's vibrant art scene, promising opportunities for artistic growth and international recognition.