The Manhyia Palace Museum has announced a landmark partnership with UNESCO Ghana ahead of the second edition of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, scheduled for May 13, 2026, in Kumasi.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen efforts to promote Ghanaian visual arts on the international stage while preserving the country’s rich cultural and artistic traditions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kumasi, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah, said the awards ceremony would take place at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Auditorium under the patronage of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Lady Julia Osei Tutu.
According to organisers, the awards seek to honour established and emerging creative talents whose works continue to shape Ghana’s cultural identity through innovation and artistic excellence.
Ahead of the main ceremony, a Laureates’ Dinner will be held on May 12 to bring together artists, curators, cultural leaders and dignitaries in celebration of excellence in visual arts and cultural preservation.
This year’s laureates were selected through an independent jury process involving Ghanaian and international experts in visual arts, curation and art history.
Among the eight honourees are internationally recognised contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama, painters Victor Butler and Larry Otoo, portrait artist Afia Prempeh and New York-based installation artist Yaw Owusu.
The list also includes curator Osei Bonsu, artist Julie Hudson and Seychellois contemporary artist Leon Raddegonde.
Instituted in 2025, the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards emerged from the successful return of royal regalia looted from the Manhyia Palace during the Anglo-Asante Wars.
Organisers said the subsequent “Homecoming” exhibition inspired the establishment of the awards scheme as a long-term initiative dedicated to safeguarding Ghana’s artistic heritage.
The awards recognise excellence in painting, sculpture, traditional goldsmithing, installation art, art history and distinguished curation, with recipients selected based on originality, authenticity, cultural impact and contribution to Ghanaian creativity.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
