TABLE OF CONTENT
Ageing back to antiquity - from the 4th century BC pinhole discovery; to the times of physically tracing shadows cast on walls by candles in darkrooms; to the levered system of tracing shadows to form smaller sized silhouettes of persons; to the age of the Wedgwoods' experiments; to the age of Daguerreotypes; to Talbot's salted paper prints up until what we now know so commonly as photography - there lies so much magic in the process of recording once-upon-a-time energy that would live forever.
Mark Osterman has it that "the silhouette is the essence of a person's soul."
Well, this is why you need to visit the Dikan Center & Gallery. You will certainly see more than age-long silhouettes. You will see too, the transformational art of photography in its organic form(s).
1. House of inspiration
When asked why one should visit the largest photography library in Africa, a very talented photographer we met at the Dikan Center & Gallery said "...as a creative, sometimes you just need to create for creating sake."
This is inspiration he had by skimming through the pages of a bible-sized photo-book memoir created by another photographer.
He describes the Dikan Centre as a place of inspiration. Irrespective of your art form, the Dikan Center & Gallery is a space that can greatly inspire you to create, write, shoot, form or do what as an artist, you do best.
2. Exhibitions, programs and events
"From the bustling streets of Accra to the serene landscapes of Ethiopia," the center displays periodically the works of African lenses to serve as a universal medium of connecting and belonging.
"Home is more than a place," is an example of a group exhibition among many, staged from 21st July - 20th September curated by Paul Ninson and Sally Nuamah.
The center and gallery are dedicated to curating and showcasing the art of Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora. Thus, the center creates a community for African artists both patrons and artisans - amateurs and pros alike - to unite through the art of telling stories with visuals
3. Workstation for your project
Aside from the gallery and human resource at the center, there is also a screening room, a library and a workshop for artisans that wish to undertake their project works.
With over 30,000 photo-books and other resorces, the library of the Dikan Center and gallery is one of the most resourced facilities on the surface of the earth. Hence, being the largest photography library in Africa.
Be you located within the African continent or without, the resources of the biggest photography library in Africa are available to help you undertake your project. Photographers, poets, musicians or what ever art you are into. The Dikan Center located in Osu, gives you more than visual inspiration. It also proves that visual art cuts into all other art forms.
4. A social platform
Given that the center is a place for creatives and enormous creativity, it serves as a platform to meet and connect with many like minds and mentors alike.
This is especially true for the events and exhibitions that are undertaken by the center. Attending the programs of the center could be the ground to meet your next project partner or merely socialize with colleagues.
For corporate executives looking to hire photographers too, the center is a shop to pick talented workmen from by having a first hand impression of their works.
5. A tourist destination and site
Walking into the gallery of the center, the architecture of the place alone immerses one into the irresistible change of scenery.
Close by in the same viscinity is another art gallery, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the Osu castle.
Thus, while exploring Osu, the center can be a virtual escape from the organic tourist attractions that a tourist is priveleged to when in Accra, Ghana.
The reasons why one should visit the Dikan Center & Gallery can not perfectly be balanced out on a scale of objectivity.
From art to work; from tourism and discovery to solitude, the center is one that guarantees a unique feeling for every individual that seeks it.
Located in the South La Estates, Accra, Ghana, the Dikan Center & Gallery proves that “home is more than a place,” especially away from your home.
Do visit. You will surely have a unique story to send back with you.
Do you like to add cultural activities to your holidays?
Yes, sometimes
Yes, always
No, never
Not usually , but would be open for the next one
Fancy help with planning your next African cultural and leisure getaway?
We have also expanded massively and can now help you plan some unforgettable holidays activities, transport and accommodation in the following destinations: Tanzania, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa , Sao Tome, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Congo, Nigeria, Benin. If you need help planning your next holidays whether you are a solo traveler, a duo, a group of friends or a corporate retreat. If you fancy a mixture of black heritage and leisure experiences, we got you!
To find out more email us at: melanintravelsmagic@gmail.com
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Client testimonials we have helped exploring & planning their trip to Ghana
REBOUND staff & Teenagers, Group of 10 Travelers from MINNEAPOLIS, USA, Corporate retreat, July 2023
Review 1: Christy Botts, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
Our non-profit organisation took a group of young people to Ghana in July 2023. The experience was an amazing one that was spiritually moving as well as fun! We had an excellent tour guide who brought the country to life for us. Our youth were able to connect to one another and to the country in ways we could only have dreamed possible.
The Cooking Class was my favourite activity- being invited to our guide’s relative's home to cook "with the aunties" and hang out, listen to music, dance, laugh, get to know people, and eat was SO FUN. We felt like family!
It was a good occasion to bond with other group members and Ghanaian Culture.
Review 2: Danielle Draughn, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
"I am an educator so I really enjoyed visiting with the children at the school. However, words can't even begin to explain the experience and tell all the wonderful things we were exposed to.
Best tour guide ever. The cameraman and driver were also good. Kwame was the absolute best tour guide who turned i to a friend I have ever experienced. He is very knowledgeable, caring and professional. He made sure we all had whatever we needed and made sure we were comfortable.
He was highly motivated to make sure we had the best knowledge and experience regarding our culture. This is a trip every black person should take. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to experience Africa in such an amazing and spiritual way..."
Review 3: Samm Joyner, Minneapolis, USA, August 2023
"Excellent experience, beyond my expectations. Our guide was a Godsend. My favourite activity was visiting the school for the charity day."
Adrien, France, UK, Solo trip to Ghana, Travel planner on service and 10 day package
"Christina was able to show me the right direction when I was looking for a trip to West Africa. She had the right connections, and helped me build up a relevant agenda according to my ideal trip. She made sure I was safe and everything went according to plan in Ghana.I highly recommend Melanin Travels Magic for any trip related enquiries!"
Candy, Germany, December 2021 Group Trip to Ghana, 10-day Black heritage and leisure package.
"I went to Ghana with Melanin Travels Magic, and Freelancenana Travels was their local partner who helped coordinate our 10-day tour of the country. Many thanks to Nana and his team for the personal attention given to us. I can’t speak highly enough of Michael, our amazing driver, who was always very protective and respectful and got us to places safely. Our tour guide, Thompson, was with us the whole trip and made sure we were well taken care of. He gave us an outstanding personal tour that exceeded all my expectations!
He was a brilliant ambassador for his country, very knowledgeable, warm, organized and honest. He is extremely amiable and takes pride in his work and in the community that he serves. We were lucky to have him to gain such an insight into the history and culture of Ghana. He was quick to accommodate our requests as well as needed changes in the itinerary. Most of all, he was great company and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Thompson is also the founder of Creating Smiles Foundation, an NGO, which distributes stationery to underprivileged children and food to street kids.
The itinerary arranged for us included so many wonderful things- First, we toured Accra and visited must-see landmarks like the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
and the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial. We also went to Accra’s Art Centre, where Thomson helped us haggle. We crossed the Kakum National Park’s canopy walkway for a view of the wildlife and landscape; gained insight into the history of the Ashanti Kingdom and the Slave River and drove to Elmina and Cape Coast Castle to learn about the thought-provoking history of the transatlantic slave trade. We saw a variety of crafts, from learning how to play the drums, cook African food to Kente cloth making.
I thoroughly recommend Melanin Travels Magic and Feelancenana Travels to help shape your journey and enable you, too, to have a memorable experience in Ghana. Wishing you both every success with your tour businesses. Thank you Thompson for treating us like family, I fell in love with Ghana and its people through you. Someday I hope to return to Ghana and explore more of the country with you. I know you are going to do great things with your foundation. Medaase to all of you."
Imani, USA, December 2021 Group Trip to Ghana, 10 day Black heritage and leisure package
"My first visit to West Africa was with Melanin Travels Magic. Because I had no experience with the company I will admit I was a little hesitant. I am so grateful that even in Christina’s absentia she ensured we were connected with our country host and in constant communication. I commend her for doing her due diligence to connect with local contacts to make sure there is a heartfelt connection. I look forward to seeing what else comes from this budding travel group!"
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