The Power of Art Diplomacy

In February 2018 we held Art Soup @ Bread & Salt, an international artist showcase featuring work and performance by a visiting delegation of global artists from 18 countries. One of the traveling artists, Ghanaian filmmaker Andrew Obeng shared his short film pieces with the crowd of 200. One of the audience members was Mark Freeman, professor at SDSU’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film. Having a future trip to Ghana in the works, he sought Andrew out and exchanged contact info.

Mark traveled to Ghana this summer to participate in California State University’s International Faculty Partnership Seminar at the University of Ghana. While in Accra he reconnected with Andrew. A lecturer in film production himself, Andrew invited Mark to meet the faculty at the National Film and Television Institute and to make presentations to students.  Andrew and Mark collaborated in the production of a site specific dance film, which will premiere in2019. Newfound international collaborators are pictured here smiling.