The Chalewote Arts Festival 2024 Experience

The Chale Wote Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote, is an annual street festival in Accra, Ghana. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons. “Wote” in the Ga language means “let’s go”. Since 2011, CHALE WOTE has included street painting, graffiti murals, photography, theater shows, spoken word, interactive art installations, live performances, sports, film shows, and other activities. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chale_Wote_Street_Art_Festival)

The Chalewote Arts Festival for 2024 took place from August 19 to August 25 in Accra, Ghana, marking its 14th edition. This year’s festival was themed “And Now An End To The Empire Of Horrors,” drawing inspiration from the deep history of Africa, particularly focusing on the Gulf of Guinea’s tales of gods, both fantastic and mortal, which serve as allegories for the social conditions under colonialism. Here’s a rundown of what happened during the festival:

The festival commenced with a ‘Day of ReMembering’ procession on August 19 through the Osu township, highlighting a solemn start to the event. This procession was not just a parade but a significant cultural and artistic statement, engaging with the community’s history and current social fabric. The ‘Day of ReMembering’ procession is an intergenerational activity that brings together the young and old in a collective act of honouring and remembering.

For children, it offers a chance to learn silent history due to hegemonic dominance, while for older generations, it serves as a time to reflect on revered memories. This procession fosters a sense of continuity and shared heritage. It provides for mobile storytelling and knowledge-making from one generation to the next.

IN PICS: THE ”Day of ReMembering’ procession

• Artistic Displays and Events: Throughout the festival, various activities were held, including the opening of the Shika Shika Art Fair, performances by local and international artists, film screenings, and discussions. The festival emphasized art education, with workshops and knowledge-sharing labs aimed at children and youth, promoting a deeper understanding of art and culture.

• Location: The event took place in Osu, which has become the new venue for Chalewote, moving from its previous location in Jamestown. This shift to Osu, one of Accra’s oldest neighborhoods, added a new layer of historical and cultural context to the festival’s activities.

• Media Coverage and Public Engagement: The festival received extensive media coverage, with The Multimedia Group serving as the official media partner. This partnership ensured comprehensive coverage, bringing the festival’s vibrancy to a broader audience. Public engagement was high, with thousands attending, indicating the festival’s growing popularity and significance.

• Cultural Significance: Chalewote 2024 not only celebrated art but also served as a platform for cultural dialogue, exploring themes of rebirth, resistance, and the reclaiming of cultural narratives. The festival’s activities, from street art to performances, were designed to engage the community and visitors in a conversation about history, identity, and future aspirations.

• Artistic Freedom and Expression: Artists were given the freedom to express themes related to the festival’s overarching narrative, leading to a rich tapestry of visual and performing arts that challenged and entertained in equal measure.

This year’s Chale Wote Street Art Festival continued its tradition of transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases of cultural expression, drawing thousands of participants and spectators, both local and international, to celebrate and engage with Ghanaian and African art and culture