Creative industry is not a realm for joking but serious business, says George Quaye

Actor and playwright George Quaye is calling for a paradigm shift in the prevailing narrative that often labels Ghana’s creative industry as a realm for unserious individuals.

George Quaye believes the creative space in Ghana has outgrown that age-long perception which often relegates it to the sidelines of serious business and that there is the need for conscious efforts to change it.

George Quaye who is also the CEO of Image Bureau, a communications, audio-visuals and event planning company, was speaking on the recently held Graphic Showbiz’s X Dialogue Series on the topic; Is theatre getting relevant attention?.

Laying emphasis on why he believes Ghana’s creative space is ripe enough and ready for serious business, he said unlike in the past when people would join as a last resort and not attach much seriousness, the contemporary landscape was very different now.

“It demands advanced technology and adequate knowledge of the industry from its players to thrive and as such, it shouldn’t be seen as the preserve of the unserious, given the changing trends and the critical role the current space plays in shaping society.

“It started out as oral tradition, concert party, among others and we were never considered a serious part of anything. The people who started did not have much going for them,” he explained.

Highlighting the positive transformation over time, Quaye expressed gratitude to those who recognised the value within the industry.

“Things have changed over time, thanks be to God and few of our people began to see the value of it. This is because in the early days, it looked like a sector that was a liability,” he stated.

George Quaye also stressed the importance of industry players actively participating in changing the narrative.

He urged fellow professionals to create visibility for themselves and the sector, emphasising that internal support was crucial for external recognition.