The creative landscape in Ghana took a bold leap forward on Friday, August 29, 2025, as the maiden edition of Koliko Pixl Picnic came to life at AnimaxFYB Studios.
Held in collaboration with adinkra ino-V8 (Kaizen AVP), the event delivered an engaging and purposeful experience aimed at promoting the country’s growing animation and digital arts sector.
Starting promptly at 6:00 p.m., guests were welcomed into an immersive space designed to connect creatives, innovators and policymakers. The atmosphere was charged with energy as attendees moved through interactive zones featuring live sketching, sound design booths, trivia games and a digital gaming showcase by Leti Arts.
A Platform with Purpose
Koliko Pixl Picnic was not just a celebration; it was a strategic platform to advocate for greater investment in Ghana’s animation industry.
During the event, Francis Y. Brown, Creative Director of AnimaxFYB, and Michael Bediako, CEO of adinkra ino-V8 (Kaizen AVP), outlined a long-term vision to position Koliko Pixl Picnic as a convergence point for creativity, technology and policy. Both leaders emphasised the urgent need for sustained sponsorship from the private sector and called on government institutions to increase policy support and funding for creative industry development.
“This space will not grow without the backing of corporate sponsors, development agencies, and our own local investors,” Brown said.
“We need to build structures that empower young creatives and give them the tools to thrive globally.”
Bediako added, “Support cannot be a one-time gesture. It has to be continuous, deliberate and inclusive because the creative economy is an untapped engine for national growth.”
Tributes and Talent
A touching moment in the evening was a tribute to the late Clinton Selorm Tamakloe, a Ghanaian animator remembered for his contributions to the local animation community. The tribute served as a reflection on the importance of honouring pioneers while building forward for future generations.
Guests were then treated to a screening on the history of animation, followed by “Azumah”, an award-winning short animated film by Nii Ofei-Kyei Dodoo of Indigene Bros. The screening was followed by a live Q&A session with the director, offering valuable insight into the creative and technical aspects of animation production.
Government Acknowledgement and Endorsement
The event closed with remarks from Gideon Ayeequaye, Acting Executive Secretary of the Ghana Creative Arts Agency, who commended the initiative and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the animation industry as a key pillar of the creative economy.
“This is the kind of initiative we need to build Ghana’s global footprint in animation and digital content,” Ayeequaye said.
“Koliko Pixl Picnic has shown what is possible when vision meets action.”
His remarks reinforced the importance of multi-sector collaboration between creatives, sponsors, and government to scale impact and ensure sustainability.
A Growing Audience, A Growing Opportunity
The event attracted a strong turnout, with notable guests including Enrico Apetnho, Head of Corporation at the Italian Embassy; renowned journalists Israel Laryea and Kojo Akoto Boateng; Eugene Odame of NAFTI; and several diplomats, creatives, students, and industry stakeholders.
Their presence underscored the growing recognition of animation not only as a cultural asset but also as an economic opportunity worth investing in.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With strong momentum from the debut event, organisers are now turning their focus to the next phase of Koliko Pixl Picnic. A larger, more immersive edition featuring expanded programming, industry workshops, networking opportunities and public engagement.
As the event approaches, we are calling on brands, sponsors, development partners, and the general public to actively participate and support this initiative. From funding and mentorship to media partnerships and attendance, every form of support plays a crucial role in building a thriving creative industry.
To all stakeholders, public, private and community, this is the moment to believe in and back Ghanaian animation. Koliko Pixl Picnic is not just an event. It is a movement with the potential to elevate African storytelling, create jobs and transform the creative landscape.
Be on the lookout for the next chapter soon on our social media page @koliko.pixl.picnic
