Chalewote has outgrown how I perceived it and has produced some of the biggest artists – Mantse Aryeequaye

Mantse Aryeequaye, the founder and director of the Chalewote Street Art Festival, has stated that the initiative he launched several years ago has evolved beyond his wildest dreams and produced outstanding artists.

According to him, when the festival first began, "We weren't seeking for validation from these outlets (media houses), whether internationally, locally, or anyone else to endorse it. We were determined to create art."

Mantse indicated that Chalewote has become an influential platform not only in Ghana but throughout the continent, adding that some countries have reached out to say that the festival has inspired them and that they would like to do something similar.

"It has grown beyond what I originally envisioned and the primary concept. It evolved organically into a very potent cultural instrument that influences cultural activities not only in this country but also on the continent, he said.

He continued, "There are quite a few replicas across the continent; some will reach out to us, while others will directly inform us that they are inspired by what we do and would like to replicate it in their respective countries."

Mantse described how some people who opposed the festival's purpose have altered their minds while others have not.

"There was a great deal of unwarranted hostility. I have screenshots and recordings of people's comments from 2014/2015, and these individuals have all made some type of 180-degree turn, while others have not. We cannot live in a country where people are willfully oblivious of what is happening when we have the means to find out. This is civilization. In reference to the early days of Chalewote, he said, "It's the most powerful tool you can create for yourself, and we've seen the results."

The administrator of the festival suggested that people have become interested in the craft and are therefore conducting research on it. Moreover, he opined that a number of renowned artists have surfaced from the platform.

"The festival is centered on cultural animation in Ghana and throughout Africa." People are observing what we are doing here. People are researching our actions. The artists with whom we collaborate are receiving opportunities. He noted that the presence of some of the world's most renowned artists in the region is evidence that whatever we are activating and animating is potent and effective; it is producing additional success tales.