Emmanuel Asante
Emmanuel Asante is a visual artist based in Fairfield who uses everyday materials such as coffee and paint to tell his story and share his joy for artmaking with communities. Originating from Ghana, Emmanuel commenced painting and drawing to deal with depression and experiences on settling in Australia as a teenager. His talent was recognised and encouraged by his high school art teacher. It was at a school career expo that Emmanuel was introduced to artist Abdul Abdullah, who later become one of his mentors. This support gave Emmanuel the courage to pursue a career as an artist. Emmanuel states:
The decision to become an artist was a huge step for me because I had to go against the advice of people that I look up to in life. People told me that there was no future and no money in the arts.
On completing high school, Emmanuel was selected to attend the National Art School. However, due to his visa status at this time this option was cost prohibitive as he was required to pay $12,000 upfront. The determined artist found a work-around.
In the last 10 years Emmanuel has refined his skills and grown his network through mentorships and by connecting with organisations such as the Refugee Art Project and We Are Studios, a disability-led artist run initiative. In 2024 he received the Early Career Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts and Cultural Development from Creative Australia. This gave him national recognition for his contribution to the arts in Western Sydney.
Emmanuel has worked with various creative organisations such as Curious Works, Art Gallery of NSW, Fairfield City Museum and Gallery and Western Sydney University to share his skills and passion for the power of the arts to build resilient communities.
Emmanuel intersects his mental health journey and role as an artist. He is a public speaker for Headspace, a youth mental health foundation, which he credits for empowering him with the tools to navigate life challenges. On asking where his favourite place is in his neighbourhood? He explains that he enjoys going to the Fairfield Adventure Park to clear his mind and go for jogs, where he sometimes meets new people or connects with friends.
Emmanuel has exciting projects in the pipeline. He is working towards exhibitions and developing projects with Western Sydney schools, where he may even find a young talent and foster the next generation of local artists.
If you or a loved one needs mental health support, contact a counselling service to assist.
Lifeline: Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online.