News Blog of Friday, 15 November 2024
Source: Andre Mustapha NII okai Inusah
Following the successful conclusion of the Kokoo 360 Circularity Exhibition, the organizers have released a heartfelt statement reflecting on an event that transcended art and culture, uniting sustainability with purpose and passion.
Hosted by EnT CIC’s Chocolate Has a Name (CHAN) Festival and curated by Ghanaian circular designer Adu Amani, this remarkable exhibition showcased the beauty and potential of circular fashion, interwoven with the rich histories and stories of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
“Kokoo 360 invited us to envision a world where beauty, ingenuity, and sustainability are intertwined,” the organizers shared. “At its core, it was an ode to the resilience embedded in Ghanaian culture, the ingenuity of circular design, and the strength found in collaboration.” The exhibition was not only a showcase but also a tribute to human stories and an act of repair in a world yearning for healing.
The event was made possible through a generous grant from the British Council Biennales Architecture, Design, and Fashion Fund, which allowed the collaboration to flourish and the vision to be realized.
Adu Amani’s leadership and creativity played a pivotal role in crafting the exhibition’s message, transforming upcycled cocoa sacks into high-fashion pieces that honor the journey of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Each garment, along with the jewelry crafted by Afiyo Creations, served as a reclaimed piece of history, weaving narratives of pride, resilience, and craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, the organizers expressed gratitude for the support of Calderdale Council, which helped make this year’s CHAN Festival unforgettable, allowing the message of circularity to reach audiences in Halifax and beyond.
A special thanks was also extended to media partners, including Caleb Boye (Caleb Feels) and Kwame Dadzie, for amplifying the event’s message across various platforms.
The exhibition was enriched by the passionate contributions of volunteers from the Africaniwa community, whose dedication added depth and meaning to the experience.
The Kokoo 360 journey was more than an exhibition; it was a legacy—a collaborative act of storytelling and an invitation to reimagine a world where culture and sustainability coalesce.
The organizers concluded with a message of appreciation to every visitor, partner, and participant who engaged with the vision of a more connected, conscious world. “Thank you for joining us in this act of REPAIRation and for being part of Kokoo 360,” they said. "As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned here and remain committed to fostering connections, sharing stories, and building a world that honors the hands, histories, and heritages that shape it."
With the spirit of Kokoo 360 continuing to resonate, the CHAN Festival organizers look forward to furthering their mission to highlight and celebrate sustainable fashion and the heritage of Ghanaian culture.