… Arts & Crafts Dealers Association Seeks Government, NGOs Support
The Chairman of the Art and Craft Dealers Association of Liberia (ACDAL), Mr. John K. Sumo, has complained that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the sales of their products in Liberia.
He narrated that there is less flow of customers because of the travel restriction put in place, as one of the measures, in the fight against the global scourge.
Suno said most of their clients were tourists, who are mainly international guests, coming from America, Europe, Asia, and China.
As a way of bringing some relief to ACDAL, Sumo is appealing to the 54th National Legislatures to help strengthen and empower the tourism sector that has the potential of attracting international investors to come to Liberia and invest in the economy. Stressing the need to promote arts and culture in Liberia, Sumo said, it is important to support homemade Liberian craft.
Mr. Sumo said Liberia has many artifacts to offer the world and that Liberians should begin to promote the works and services of their local craftsmen.
“He said ACDAL’s dream is to see Liberia designing its own textiles and other relevant clothes that are needed to accelerate Liberia’s haute culture.
I also want for Liberian made products to become well known in other countries so we can have international partners coming to buy from us regularly.
Chairman Sumo also encouraged Liberian youths and older people alike to engage in creating handicraft, clothing, arts, and textile to help develop the country through their skills.
Mr. Sumo made the comments in an exclusive interview with New Liberia on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at his business spot opposite Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia.
Arts and Crafts are similar but inherently different. While Arts a form of work that is the expression of emotions, Craft is a form of work, which results in a tangible output, for example, molding and carving of various wares.
According Arts and Culture experts, Art is often described as unstructured and open ended. It has no limitations of expression, just like in painting. Craft on the other hand is structured, which means that it has a certain form that is visible.
For example, the painting we put on the walls in our offices and homes are artistry creation deep from the human mind. Have you ever seen the paintings of Michael ngelodi Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni or Leonardo Da Vinci. These were great renaissance painters. There are many of such painters among the ACDAL members. Entertainment and Tourism author is adding its voice to ACDAL in seeking empowerment opportunities for the arts and crafts industry in Liberia.
Meanwhile, ACDAL Chairman is making a passionate appeal to the national Government, the International Community and Civil Society Organizations (NGOs) as well as citizens of Liberia to see reason to render support to ACDAL so that it can be fully empowered.
