Northern CNC holds art exhibition to mark Black Star Experience

By Samuel SAM

The Northern Regional Office of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) has hosted an Art 360 exhibition as part of the ongoing Black Star Experience initiative, which seeks to preserve, promote and innovate Ghana’s cultural diversity.

The exhibition, held in Tamale, was designed to transform cultural sites into vibrant hubs blending heritage with contemporary innovation. It aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, create jobs and provide sustained support for local artisans.

The event featured photographic works by artist Abdul-Fatawu Yakubu, alongside displays of traditional fabrics and dramatic performances advocating against drug abuse and highlighting the importance of promoting domestic tourism.

Launched by President John Dramani Mahama on 1 May 2025, the Black Star Experience builds on the successes of the “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” campaigns. It is positioned as a flagship initiative to reawaken national pride and strengthen Ghana’s reputation as Africa’s cultural capital.

Regional Director of CNC, Abubakari Iddrisu Saeed, emphasised the power of art to “break barriers, heal wounds, and build bridges between people”. He described supporting the arts as an investment in the younger generation and in the sustainable development of society.

“Art tells our stories, preserves our heritage, entertains us, and inspires us to dream beyond the ordinary. The Black Star Experience is our collective canvas, and in the North, we paint it with the colours of resilience and heritage,” he said. “This exhibition is not just art; it is a call to weave our stories into Ghana’s global legacy, fostering pride, peace and prosperity for our youth and artisans.”

He noted that the Northern CNC has played a key role in regionalising the initiative, leveraging the area’s untapped potential in eco-tourism, creative industries and diaspora engagement. Continued investment in the sector, he added, would help sustain crafts that generate income for more than 5,000 local artisans annually.

Research and Documentation Officer and Acting Public Relations Officer, Alex Buer, further explained that September has been dedicated as Tourism Month, to encourage Ghanaians to patronise local products and boost the domestic economy.

“The initiative is to showcase the nation’s rich heritage, creativity and hospitality to the world,” he said. “It is a year-round celebration of Ghana’s identity through festivals, music, fashion, cuisine, art and history—reimagining Ghana as Africa’s cultural capital and a top global destination.”

The post Northern CNC holds art exhibition to mark Black Star Experience appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story