Kwame Akoto-Bamfo wins 2015 Kuenyehia Prize for Artists

Mr Kwame Akoto–Bamfo, a Masters Degree holder in Fine Art and a BFA (sculpture) has won the 2015 Kuenyehia Prize instituted to assist and encourage talented Ghanaian artists.

Mr Akoto–Bamfo, who is skilled in carving (wood and stone), weld art, painting, modeling and drawing was crowned the winner taking home a cash prize of Gh20,000.

The awards night held on Monday, April 9, 2015, at the Popup Gallery in Labone eventually saw three outstanding artists as winners from a shortlist of ten artists.

Founder of the Kuenyehia Prize, Mr Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia said “Art thrives only if there is a vibrant art scene, we all need to help; it is a responsibility I am committed to”.

He said the prize will act as a catalyst for contemporary Ghanaian art and provide an unmatched platform to launch or further develop the careers of the prize winners and shortlisted artists.

Mr Gbenga Oyebode, Managing Partner of Aluko & Oyebode, who was the chairman at the event praised the organizers and made a clarion call to the public to invest in art since it is a lucrative business for anyone to do.

Kuenyehia Prize was instituted to identify, reward, promote and develop Ghana’s most outstanding artists between the ages of 25 – 40 years and to showcase and celebrate excellence in contemporary Ghanaian art.

The Kuenyehia Prize 2015 hopes to assist and encourage talented Ghanaian artists to continue to pursue their dreams and careers in art with passion and excellence by providing them financial support as well as personal and / or business development consulting services.

Currently, the Kuenyehia Prize is limited to paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, carvings and installations. Emphasis is placed on artists who have already made some commitment to art as a career and way of life and who have some level of demonstrable track record.