Organizers officially unveiled the GERGHANSAL 2027 International Arts Exhibition in Freetown on 20 October 2026. This official unveiling, which took place on October 20, 2026, serves as the foundational moment for the upcoming international cultural project. The event announcement confirms the city will serve as the host for the upcoming cultural showcase. Plans for the exhibition involve participants from Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Germany, with the city of Düsseldorf also represented. Representatives from MelArt Design, including Oliver Barnette, Abdul Fadul Kamara, Sir Prince Nelson Num, Ishamael Abu Kamara, and Melicia Barrie, are coordinating the project. The exhibition aims to present international works to a wide audience during the 2027 calendar year. Preparations remain ongoing following the formal introduction of the program in the capital.
Goals of Cultural Cooperation
The initiative seeks to promote cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and professional networking among Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Germany. The initiative aims to promote cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and professional networking among Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Germany. Sir Prince Nelson Num, Culture Coordinator for the German Embassy, stated: "This initiative will foster collaboration, enrich Europeans as well as Sierra Leoneans, and help build lasting networks." Organizers scheduled the exhibition to take place from 9 April to 10 May 2027 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The exhibition is scheduled to take place from April 9 to May 10, 2027, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Regarding the competition for space and recognition within the program, Oliver Barnette, Curator of the Sierra Leone National Museum, said: "Artists in Sierra Leone, rise up! Do not allow the Ghanaians to overwhelm us." Melicia Barrie, participant and founder of MelArt Design, described her engagement with the project by saying: "This is a calling for me! I have to grab it."
Abdul Fadul Kamara, Project Coordinator for Europe, expressed concern regarding visa challenges for Sierra Leonean artists. Project Coordinator for Europe, Abdul Fadul Kamara, expressed concern regarding visa challenges for Sierra Leonean artists, citing difficulties during a 2018 program in Germany. He cited difficulties encountered during a 2018 program in Germany as the basis for his apprehensions about the upcoming event. These administrative hurdles represent a primary area of focus for the coordinating team as they prepare for the 2027 exhibition. The team is currently working to address these logistical concerns to ensure that all selected artists can participate in the scheduled activities in Düsseldorf. By addressing these issues early, the coordinators hope to facilitate a smooth process for the participants involved in the cross-continental exchange. The ongoing coordination reflects the commitment of MelArt Design to the success of the GERGHANSAL 2027 International Arts Exhibition.
