Emmanuel Asante is an emerging leader, advocate and visual artist with disability hailing from Western Sydney who has already made a significant impact through his work in community arts and cultural development since arriving in Australia in 2015. Emmanuel is also a 2024 recipient of Creative Australia’s Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts and Cultural Development.
Emmanuel demonstrates unparalleled dedication and passion in his advocacy, drawing from his personal experience as a young Ghanaian-Australian man and mental health advocate.
As a community leader, Emmanuel prioritises fostering inclusive environments through person-centred arts mentoring, facilitation and advocacy, specifically aimed at empowering d/Deaf and Disabled communities, youth, young men confronting stigma or marginalization, and refugee communities. Additionally, he is dedicated to creating nurturing and inclusive spaces where new and emerging communities are empowered to tell their stories through art.
Emmanuel’s journey is a testament to his unwavering self-determination and resilience in the face of adversity. His contributions to the arts are a poignant reminder of its life-changing potential, highlighting the importance of visibility within the communities he not only represents but fervently champions.
Emmanuel’s career is in its infancy as he sets out on a path of continued education to fulfil his passion for teaching. He aims to uplift children from marginalized backgrounds by blending his roles as an artist and educator.
Furthermore, he envisions creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges to pursue careers as practising artists, both in Australia and his home country of Ghana.
Follow Emmanuel on Instagram here