New Performing Arts Volunteering Program in Collaboration with Kumasi Cultural Centre

Mr Peter Marfo (Regional Director, Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region)

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization is thrilled to extend its partnership with the Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region to launch a new ‘PERFORMING ARTS’ volunteer program in Kumasi, Ghana - quite possibly the first of its kind in West Africa.

The program will foster creativity between international performing arts students and practitioners with Ghanaian professionals to create cross-cultural performance allowing for collaboration on outreach programs to in the wider local communities.

Outdoor amphitheatre at the centre for national culture

“As someone who has always had a passion for live theatre, music and the performing arts as a whole, I am really excited to have been involved in the creation of this new volunteer program. The program is perfect for Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, & Music Students in addition to industry professionals. I hope this new addition to our lineup of volunteer programs will encourage students in the performing arts space to make an impact in communities across Ghana and who knows, maybe there will be an international co-production in the near future! I cannot wait to see the community impact derived from our international volunteers and staff from the Kumasi Cultural Centre being creatively ambitious on the Performing Arts program.” (Kieran Turnbull, The Sunshine Volunteers Organization - West Sussex, England)

Kieran Turnbull (Volunteer Coordinator, The Sunshine Volunteers Organization)

“The collaboration between The Sunshine Volunteers Organization and the Centre for National Culture, Kumasi, seeks to strengthen sustainable community engagement through the performing arts. With volunteers working alongside local practitioners, this partnership will not only give volunteers the opportunity to learn and share ideas but they will also support culturally grounded outreach programs that address emerging community issues and promote meaningful social impact.” (Florence Nketia, The Sunshine Volunteers Organization - Kumasi, Ghana)

Florence Nketia at Ghana Philanthropy Awards (Programs Director, The Sunshine Volunteers Organization)

“The partnership between the Sunshine Volunteers Organization and Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region, promises to project the performing arts landscape which encompasses drama, music, dance and poetry, creativity as well as fostering cultural exchange. The Centre for National Culture, famously called Kumasi Cultural Centre, is the biggest cultural hub in Ghana, and West Africa. The Centre's Performing and Literary Arts Department boasts of vibrant standing cultural troupes such as the effervescent Amammereso Agofomma, Anokye Players, among others. The drama troupe has been producing top-notch performances including "Sagrenti War" and "Prempeh I" for the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during his 25th anniversary last year, at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi. Therefore, by coming together with our expertise and resources, we aim to create community-led and educationally-impactful cultural programmes that showcase local talent, promote cultural heritage, and contribute to Ashanti Region's artistic growth. This partnership has the potential to unlock new opportunities for both organisations, inspire innovation, and enrich the cultural ecosystem of Ashanti Region in Ghana.” (Emmanuel Jewel Peprah Mensah, Head of Department, Performing & Literary Arts, Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region - Kumasi, Ghana)

(Emmanuel Jewel Peprah Mensah, Head of Department, Performing & Literary Arts, Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region - Kumasi, Ghana)

For those wishing to join the program as an international volunteer visit: www.thesunshinevolunteersorganization.com