In the heart of Accra lies the, The Center for National Culture.  It is the largest crafts market in Ghana, which was established by Dr. Atta Yaw Kyerematen in 1951. It is now simply referred to and best known as The Arts Center. It consists of a central market, which houses different booths and stands with different goods produced directly at The Arts Center. The other areas of the arts center are the actually working shops were the crafts are constantly being produced for sale and export. Each shop has a different specialty they produce. For example, there are certain shops that only work on the productions of drums and others that focus on masks and bowls and so on. Some of the people who work at the arts center not only work there but also live in the back of the shops. Therefore, The Arts center is not just a place that produces and exports goods but also the home to many of the people who work there. There is always a lively atmosphere, the sounds of drums, music or the loud laughter of the people working there.      

 

       The work that is produced at The Arts Center encompasses the incredible cultural history of the country. The people who work at The Arts Center all come from different paths of life. Each one of them has a different story about how they ended up there. Some people spend their whole life working there, whereas for others it’s just a temporary place. However, no matter for how long you have worked there, you become part of the family.  Even though the work is very laborious and tiring, the people have a sense of pride in. This body of work showcases the life of the people who are part of The Arts Center. It contains photographs of the beautiful artwork and crafts they produce as well as aspects of everyday life. In addition it also contains photographs of the landscape of the center. It is a celebration of Ghanaian culture and honours and acknowledges the hard work and effort people put into their craft.