The Arts industry is full of job opportunities which the youth must take advantage and explore, says Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, acting Administrator of the National Cultural Centre.
He explains that the arts industry has always been an avenue for employment around the world, and with Ghana’s growing art business, the opportunities have become countless.
In an interview with ADR Daily in Accra, Nana Acheampong noted that the value chain of every segment of the industry offers numerous employment opportunities, citing the film, theatre and fine arts such as painting, weaving and crafts, as avenues for job creation.
For instance, he said the film industry provides numerous jobs for those trained to operate the cameras, makeup, lighting and acting, while the fine arts provide job opportunities for young people with creative talents, as well as others with ideas for exhibitions and marketing.
“Arts and culture have always provided employment for the youth and provided them with employable skills.
“The youth are employed as apprentices who later turn out to be self-employed and then also take on apprentices. It is a rippling effect that continues to create jobs for the youth.
“Certain areas in arts are not favoured by the youth. In areas of the fine arts you must have a passion and commitment to prosper in that field, but generally it is welcoming to all,” he added.
However, he said for the youth to be able to take full advantage of these opportunities; they have to seek skills training to equip them for the job market properly.
He said it is regrettable that many talented youths have shunned the arts and culture industry, for other areas in their quest to “get rich quick.”
“A major reason why the youth do not opt for jobs in the arts is that they wish to get rich quick; they want high paying jobs and drive flashy cars but this would not work unless they learn a trade.
“To get a job, you must have a skill, develop it, and change it into something that can generate employment for themselves,” he said.
Irrespective of academic qualifications, he advised the youth to learn a vocational skill that can aid them to become self-employed and entrepreneurs.
“Do not wait on the government to provide you with jobs. Get some skills so that when seeking for a job you will not only have the certificate but can also bring additional skills to the table,” he added
By: Fred Gadese-Mensah/adrdaily
