The Faculty of Arts and Design at Ho Technical University (HTU) held its 7th Annual Art & Design Week Celebration under the theme “Safari Soirée – Elegance, Wildlife and Culture.”
The week-long celebration spotlighted a dynamic blend of artistry, cultural heritage, and nature-inspired design—re-imagining African identity through the lens of creativity and innovation.
At the official opening ceremony, held on Tuesday, July 22, Dean of HTU Business School, Prof. Maxwell Edem Azila-Gbettor, who represented the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, described Safari Soirée as a bold journey into the essence of African elegance and tradition, anchored in the power of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He emphasized that the Faculty of Arts and Design equips students to think critically, design innovatively, and solve challenges through expressive artistry. Art, he noted, goes beyond aesthetics—it is a vessel for preserving identity, interrogating norms, and shaping the future.
On his part, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Charles Atombo, reiterated the faculty’s vision of elevating African creativity onto the global stage. He highlighted the exhibition as a deliberate showcase of students’ technical mastery and cultural storytelling, applauding the collective effort of supervising lecturers, students, and University management in creating a vibrant creative ecosystem at HTU.
Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of activities including a float parade, jama night, community clean-up, “rep your school” day, indoor games, and themed exhibitions. These immersive experiences fostered collaboration, hands-on learning, and cultural pride.
The celebration reached its climax on Saturday evening with the much-anticipated Fashion Show and Art Presentation Night. Against a lively backdrop of music and colour, student-designed garments, sculptures, and visual artworks took centre stage, drawing admiration for their elegance, symbolism, and craftsmanship. Each piece reflected the untamed beauty of the continent, telling stories rooted in tradition and identity.
The Safari Soirée celebration reaffirmed HTU’s commitment to nurturing designers and artists prepared to redefine African design. Through creativity, authenticity, and technical excellence, the Faculty of Arts and Design continues to inspire a new generation of cultural visionaries.
