The 2017 edition of the CHALE WOTE street art festival has officially been launched following a grand opening in Accra on Monday, August 14.

The second phase of the 5th annual event took place on Tuesday, August 15, with a glaring display of colourful paintings and graffiti murals on walls along the streets of James Town, Accra’s largest fishing community which is home to the inspiring festival.

The theme of this year’s program which is under the theme: ‘WATA MATA’ was characterized by a giant graffiti art work which welcomes observers into the aesthetically pleasing environment.

‘WATA MATA’ beams Love and Unity, according to the artists who made appearances on Tuesday to ink their talent. Artist, Yussif, depicts the insightful theme by inscribing with various graffiti colours to welcome beholders of art to this year’s carnival.

The week-long arts celebration is anticipated to thrill spectators to the exhibition of art by mobilizing over 200 indigenous and non-native artists from countries including Kenya, Poland, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, U.S, France, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Australia.

CHALE WOTE 2017 will also witness 15 film broadcasts, a fashion circus, 10 different locations to view installations, exhibitions and live visual art, live music, a CHALE WOTE Art Fair where varied art pieces will be available for purchase, processions, tours and more.

The street carnival characterized by passionate parading of colourful and lively artistic performances over the last four years has been widely patronized by a lot of people from different walks of life.