About Us

A non-profit cultural foundation and exhibition space in Accra, dedicated to advancing artistic excellence, cultural preservation and creative dialogue across Ghana and the African Diaspora, connecting local narratives to international audiences and institutions.

Our Story

Platforms for contemporary art and cultural expression

A Platform for Contemporary Art and Cultural Expression

La Foundation for the Arts–LAFA was established to deepen the relationship between art and its audiences. What began as a commitment to nurturing Ghana’s creative ecosystem has evolved into one of West Africa’s leading platforms for contemporary art and cultural expression.

Situated in the cultural heart of Accra, LAFA offers an open and dynamic space where artists, audiences and communities converge fostering creative exchange, critical dialogue and meaningful engagement with culture.

Our Mission

At LAFA, our mission is shaped by three core commitments. Through exhibitions, programmes and community engagement, LAFA serves as a hub for cultural connection, learning and imaginative expression.

Artistic Excellence

Presenting innovative, critically engaged contemporary art that reflects diverse perspectives, advances artistic practice and contributes to global cultural discourse.

Cultural Preservation

Celebrating Ghanaian and African artistic heritage in dialogue with global perspectives.

Creative Dialogue

Connecting generations, disciplines and movements to create conversations that matter.

Why LAFA Matters

LAFA is more than a gallery.

LAFA is more than a gallery. It is a cultural institution dedicated to expanding access to the arts, amplifying diverse voices and fostering meaningful engagement with creativity throughout Ghana, the African Diaspora and beyond. We serve artists, students, communities, and audiences who seek inspiration, education and connection through the transformative power of artistic expression.

What We Do

Exhibitions & Artistic Programming

LAFA curates compelling contemporary art exhibitions that highlight both Ghanaian and international artists. From sculpture and mixed-media installations to design and sustainable art practices, our gallery presents a dynamic and evolving creative experience.

Creative Community Building

We serve as a platform for artists at all stages of their careers. Through collaborations, artist development, and cultural partnerships, LAFA supports a thriving artistic community that extends across Ghana and beyond.

Youth Engagement & Education

Children and young people are at the heart of our work. LAFA provides school outreach programs, youtyouth-centeredtiatives and hands-on workshops that cultivate artistic curiosity, imagination and cultural understanding among future generations.

A Free & Open Public Space

LAFA is always free and accessible to locals, students, tourists and art lovers. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience art in a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring environment.

Our Impact

LAFA continues to expand its reach and influence in arts and culture. Through exhibitions, youth development, collaborations with artists, and community-focused programming, we contribute to a vibrant creative landscape that supports both emerging and established voices.

Our commitment is long-term: to nurture creativity, empower artists, and shape a cultural future rooted in innovation, diversity, and inclusion.

Portfolio Review Facilitator (Ghana)

I really admired the outstanding artworks the artists presented during the review! The feedback and discussion were insightful and productive, and i appreciate their openness to accept constructive criticism.

Thank you Artists for sharing your incredible art with us, and to the team for your tireless efforts. We’re already looking forward to the next review!

Also, a huge round of applause to the amazing Lafa team that organized this review! Your attention to detail, and passion for art are what made this event a resounding success.

Portfolio Review Facilitator (Ghana)

I really admired the outstanding artworks the artists presented during the review! The feedback and discussion were insightful and productive, and i appreciate their openness to accept constructive criticism.

Thank you Artists for sharing your incredible art with us, and to the team for your tireless efforts. We’re already looking forward to the next review!

Also, a huge round of applause to the amazing Lafa team that organized this review! Your attention to detail, and passion for art are what made this event a resounding success.

Portfolio Review Facilitator (Ghana)

I really admired the outstanding artworks the artists presented during the review! The feedback and discussion were insightful and productive, and i appreciate their openness to accept constructive criticism.

Thank you Artists for sharing your incredible art with us, and to the team for your tireless efforts. We’re already looking forward to the next review!

Also, a huge round of applause to the amazing Lafa team that organized this review! Your attention to detail, and passion for art are what made this event a resounding success.

Portfolio Review Facilitator (Ghana)

I really admired the outstanding artworks the artists presented during the review! The feedback and discussion were insightful and productive, and i appreciate their openness to accept constructive criticism.

Thank you Artists for sharing your incredible art with us, and to the team for your tireless efforts. We’re already looking forward to the next review!

Also, a huge round of applause to the amazing Lafa team that organized this review! Your attention to detail, and passion for art are what made this event a resounding success.

Portfolio Review Facilitator (Ghana)

I really admired the outstanding artworks the artists presented during the review! The feedback and discussion were insightful and productive, and i appreciate their openness to accept constructive criticism.

Thank you Artists for sharing your incredible art with us, and to the team for your tireless efforts. We’re already looking forward to the next review!

Also, a huge round of applause to the amazing Lafa team that organized this review! Your attention to detail, and passion for art are what made this event a resounding success.

Portfolio Review Facilitator (Ghana)

I really admired the outstanding artworks the artists presented during the review! The feedback and discussion were insightful and productive, and i appreciate their openness to accept constructive criticism.

Thank you Artists for sharing your incredible art with us, and to the team for your tireless efforts. We’re already looking forward to the next review!

Also, a huge round of applause to the amazing Lafa team that organized this review! Your attention to detail, and passion for art are what made this event a resounding success.

Portfolio Review Facilitator (Ghana)

I really admired the outstanding artworks the artists presented during the review! The feedback and discussion were insightful and productive, and i appreciate their openness to accept constructive criticism.

Thank you Artists for sharing your incredible art with us, and to the team for your tireless efforts. We’re already looking forward to the next review!

Also, a huge round of applause to the amazing Lafa team that organized this review! Your attention to detail, and passion for art are what made this event a resounding success.

Get Involved

with LAFA

Support our mission by engaging with our exhibitions, participating in our programs, or contributing through donations and membership. Together, we can continue shaping the future of art and culture in Ghana.

SAFOA AÏSHA RICHMOND-GAISIE

Founder

Wellington Baiden

Partner | Advisor

Dr. Francis Blay

Partner | Technology & International Relations

AMA BARTELS-KODWO

Partner | Development & Operations

BRIGHT OPANIN BOAKYE-DANQUAH

Partner | Creative Production

Zahra Faye

Curatorial Programs | Events Lead

Our Team

Achieving the aims of our mission are possible through collaboration and partnership.

Our Partners

Bank Account

Bank Name

GTBank Ghana

Account Name

LA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS

Account Numbers

3204 0010 34543 CEDI
3204 0040 54829 USD

Sort Code

230112

Swift Code

GTBIGHAC

Mobile Money Account

Network

MTN MoMo

Account Name

LBG LA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS

Account Numbers

053 883 7620

SAFOA AÏSHA RICHMOND-GAISIE

Founder

Safoa Aisha is a singularly dexterous interior designer and decorative artist, with over a decade of experience working with both private and commercial clients-in her native Ghana and across the African continent.

At Lamra Galleries, where she still maintains her position as Design Executive, Safoa’s earned a watertight reputation as a keen listener, who possesses an aptitude for curtailing the requested, not to mention the unsaid, into a remarkable aesthetic conclusion.

Wellington Baiden

Advisor – LAFA & Bridge Conversations

Chief Executive Officer – Portal Forest Estates & Agroforestry Innovator

Wellington Baiden is a distinguished Ghanaian entrepreneur and environmental innovator with over two decades of expertise in sustainable forestry, agroforestry and ecological conservation. As President of Portal Forest Estates, he has transformed 207 acres of degraded land in Ghana’s Central Region into a thriving model of forest landscape restoration. This pioneering initiative blends natural forest regeneration with the cultivation of herbs, spices, aromatic plants for essential oils and heliconias for cut flower production creating a ‘green supermarket’ that harmonises ecological integrity with economic opportunity.

Baiden’s approach places strong emphasis on community engagement, providing training and resources to local farmers and entrepreneurs. Through Portal’s experiential learning centre, he champions education in sustainable practices, nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards.

Beyond his environmental leadership, Baiden also serves as an advisor to LAFA and its Bridge Conversations initiative, where he contributes his insight to promote cultural exchange and support emerging artists across the African diaspora.

His work represents a powerful intersection of sustainable development, community empowerment, and cultural enrichment positioning Wellington Baiden as a visionary leader at the confluence of environmental innovation and artistic advocacy.

Dr. Francis Blay

Partner | Techonology & International Relations

Dr. Francis O. Blay is a distinguished entrepreneur and information technology expert with nearly three decades of experience in corporate IT strategy, cybersecurity, and large-scale technology implementations. His work has spanned North America, Europe, and Africa, where he has led complex digital transformations for businesses and governments alike.

Beyond his expertise in technology, Dr. Blay is a passionate advocate for music and the arts. He is the founder of GMX Streaming, a dedicated platform designed exclusively for Ghanaian music. GMX aims to preserve and promote Ghana’s rich musical heritage while providing artists with opportunities to monetize their work and maximize their royalties.

Academically, he holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems Management from Walden University (Minnesota, USA), an M.Sc. in Software Engineering from the University of Maryland (USA), and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Ghana. He also possesses several professional certifications in technology and cybersecurity.

Dr. Blay serves as Director of Technology and International Relations at La Foundation for the Arts (LAFA), where he leverages his expertise to bridge the gap between art and technology. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing the guitar, chess, and golf, as well as watching films.

AMA BARTELS-KODWO

Partner | Development & Operations

Ama Bartels-Kodwo brings a unique blend of strategic vision and a deep appreciation for the arts to her role at LAFA. With a background in investment promotion and trade services support, Ama combines business acumen with a passion for preserving cultural heritage.

Hailing from a family of artists and art enthusiasts, including a grandmother and sister who are artists themselves, Ama understands the intrinsic value of the arts in shaping and preserving our cultural identity. She is committed to nurturing creativity and fostering a deeper connection to our artistic traditions, and is dedicated to advancing the mission of the art foundation, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of our society.

BRIGHT OPANIN BOAKYE-DANQUAH

Partner | Creative Production

Over the past fourteen years Bright Opanin Boakye – Danquah has been working in the creative arts and advertising industry. The latter eight years have been spent leading teams as creative producer or director for high profile projects with brands such as Gucci, Miss Universe, MTN and Government of Ghana.

Bright employs persuasive communication skills to deliver inspiring stories and contribute to the evolving narrative of African identity. From across the continent in countries like Ghana and South Africa to global projects in the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe, Bright has collaborated with diverse teams, forging strategic connections that have grown over time. Bright’s work as a storyteller using various media places him at the nexus of art and communications.

Zahra Faye

Curatorial Programs | Events Lead

Zahra is a cultural curator and theorist specializing in art curation, heritage preservation, and matrilineal crafts. She leads exhibitions, workshops, and events that explore the intersection of ancestral traditions and contemporary creative industries, ensuring that African craft legacies remain relevant and valued.

Her work focuses on heritage preservation and craft revival, engaging with indigenous knowledge systems, material culture, and evolving artistic traditions. Through institutional collaborations and curated experiences, she facilitates critical dialogues, challenging conventional narratives while positioning African craftsmanship as an integral part of modern cultural discourse.

By integrating art, craftsmanship, and cultural strategy, Zahra works at the intersection of heritage conservation, creative innovation, and knowledge transmission, ensuring that traditional artistic practices continue to shape contemporary and future narratives.