Ghanaian Art gains global recognition with UNESCO Partnership and Otumfuo 2026 Art Awards
The Manhyia Palace Museum has entered into a partnership with UNESCO Ghana, marking a significant step toward promoting artistic excellence and preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage.
The agreement was signed in Accra during the launch of the second edition of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, strengthening collaboration to boost the creative economy and enhance the international profile of Ghanaian art.
As part of the initiative, the 2026 laureates were announced. Established by the Manhyia Palace Museum in partnership with UNESCO, the awards celebrate outstanding achievements in contemporary art, curatorial practice, and museum development.
Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, revealed that eight artists were selected through a rigorous process involving both Ghanaian and international experts. The group comprises five Ghanaians, two British nationals, and one Seychellois.
The 2026 laureates are:
• Ibrahim Mahama, founder of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, Red Clay, and the Nkrumah Violin in Tamale
• Victor Butler
• Julie Hudson, African Curator at the British Museum
• Osei Bonsu
• Afia Prempeh, portrait artist
• Leon Raddegonde
• Yaw Owusu, installation artist and painter based in New York
• Larry Otoo
The awards ceremony is set to take place in Kumasi, with a Laureates’ Dinner on May 14, 2026, followed by the main event on May 15 at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Auditorium at the Manhyia Palace. Works by the laureates will be exhibited for two weeks at the auditorium and the Golden Bean Hotel.
The program will also include the unveiling of a commemorative booklet and a special exhibition honoring Hungarian artist Helene Urszenyi-Breznay, renowned for her historic portraits of [“people”, “Osei Agyeman Prempeh II”, “Ashanti king”], Kwame Nkrumah”, “former Ghanaian president”], and Martin Luther King Jr. 60s.
Edmond Moukala described the awards as “a global benchmark for integrating culture into sustainable development,” praising the vision of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for empowering artists, particularly youth and women, and positioning museums as vital contributors to the creative economy.
The partnership supports UNESCO conventions on cultural protection and diversity, aiming to safeguard, document, and promote Ghanaian art internationally. Representing the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Divine Kwame Owusu-Ansah pledged the ministry’s full support for the awards.
About The Author
