The socio-economic and aesthetic values of street sculptures in Kumasi.

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Date
2010-07-19
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Abstract
The study based on the findings of a qualitative research approach looked at the little known fact about the socio-economic value of street sculptors and their sculptures to the aesthetic relevance and the tourist potential for the Kumasi metropolis. The study developed a keen interest in the relationships between sculptures and the environment, sculptures and the history, sculpture and the tourism. Data were collected from Kumasi street sculptors who produce sculptures, residents, tourists in selected tourist centres through interviews, observation and questionnaire. The study revealed that some of the sculptures are of poor artistic quality and badly mounted and negleted.There is also a lack of public appreciation for street sculptures due to the unconcerned attitude to the unattractive conditions of street sculptures in the city of Kumasi. The study revealed that street sculptors and their sculptures apart from the beautification of the environs of the Kumasi metropolis play a great deal of role in the socio-economic development of the Ghana at large. It is also concluded that based on the findings of the study that the sculptural works of the street sculptors preserve the cultural heritage and also promote cultural growth among the people. The findings of the study also revealed that sculptures are highly patronaged by both local and foreign tourists which obviously promote tourism in the Kumasi metropolis. It is therefore the conviction of the researcher that, if this document is meticulously studied by researchers, curriculum planner, art educators, and the policy makers, street sculptors could be helped and can therefore work to achieve a good standard of living. And also to ensure beautification of cities and the nation at large. In sum, the fun and excitement of the street art creativity have been swallowed up by the ineptitude of officialdom. Red tapeism always kills aesthetic appetite.
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A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah university of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy.
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