The Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology of Takoradi Technical University as part of the Faculty Week Celebration has held an insightful lecture series for staff and students.

 

The lecture series aimed to provide a platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration—reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and practical innovation in applied arts and technology.

Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology, Prof. Owusu Ansah-Ankrah, in his opening statement highlighted the faculty’s commitment to its vision which evident in the Week celebration. 

“As a faculty, we remain committed to a vision that bridges creativity with functionality—fostering innovation that is both culturally relevant and globally competitive. This Open Day is a celebration of that vision,” he stated.

In a presentation delivered by Dr. Betty Faniyan of TTU, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Graphic Design,  on the topic “Re-imagining Decolonization through Productive Sankofarism., she emphasized that the creative spirit within our institutions—particularly in arts education—remains muted by colonial frameworks. 

Dr. Faniyan noted that even after political independence, the country’s curricula continue to prioritize Western culture, thereby marginalizing Africa’s rich artistic heritage and hindering authentic innovation and identity formation.

Her presentation introduced “Productive Sankofarism”—a forward-looking framework aimed at decolonizing arts education and harnessing its transformative potential. 

Applying this concept directly to the field of arts education, she suggested curriculum transformation that centers African art histories, aesthetics, and philosophies with a sense of purpose, rather than treating them as peripheral. 

She called for pedagogical innovation, encouraging a move beyond replicating Western teaching models, and advocated for the integration of African oral traditions, storytelling, and community-based learning to reflect indigenous knowledge transmission. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of collaborating with local artisans and elders and using socially engaged art to address societal issues.

A Ghanaian Contemporary Artist, Patrick Tegoe-Turkson, presented on the topic “Colours of Conservation: Art, Sustainability and the Flip-Flop Journey.” His presentation highlighted his expertise in the arts of the Asafo of the Effutu society, particularly how the Effutu use artistic forms—such as colours, images, and objects—during the Aboakyer Festival to tell stories and convey intended meanings.

He stressed that objects used in artworks are not solely for physical beauty, but for the messages they convey, which enhance the overall aesthetics of the work. According to him, aesthetics is not just about physical appeal but also about the concept and idea behind the artwork. His presentation also addressed sustainability, focusing on the collection of discarded flip-flops from coastlines to create new kente designs and other artistic products as part of his contribution to reducing pollution.

Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, founder of the Nkyinkyim Museum in Nuhalenya, Ada, also presented some of his artistic creations, which featured sculptures of ancestors whose voices were historically silenced. He emphasized the need to preserve and amplify these voices through visual storytelling.

The lecture series concluded with an exciting fashion show that showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of the students.

Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology - Takoradi Technical University

THANK YOU 

for constantly reading stories on KYAscriptoriumblogpost. Kindly like, follow, comment, and SHARE stories on all social media platforms for more entertaining updates! Do you have content that you want to be featured on KYAscriptoriumblogpost? Reach out to us on WhatsApp on 

054 668 3647 or via Email at scriptoriumartsanddesigns@gmail.com