This year 2020 will remain memorable for everyone who lived through it. Most were deeply impacted by the COVID-19 virus pandemic that happened while the rest were not affected or experienced little impact.
I began this year very excited and fulfilled because I opened my first gallery space on 4th January, 2020 in East Legon. I immediately started making plans for the exhibitions I would do in 2020 and I hired a curator and two personal assistants. My gallery was thriving.
In March, 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic had spread throughout the world and most countries went under a few weeks of lockdown including Ghana, where I live to prevent the spread of the virus. News of the virus started circulating in December 2019 but we did not think it will get out of control.
The art industry was deeply impacted. Most galleries had to shut down and the sales of artworks went down. Fortunately for my gallery, I continued to sell artworks and made more sales through this pandemic year than the previous years that had no pandemic.
I thrived. I am part of the few small businesses and art galleries around the world that survived and expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Majority of businesses are recovering and the rest were permanently closed by the end of 2020.
I feel guilty that I get to bask in my success while most business owners mourn their losses. All I can do is pray for them to find healing and recover successfully. I support by buying mostly from small businesses.
A lot happened for me this year but the biggest highlight was the success of my art business. I started this art gallery in 2015 with little money and no experience and 5 years later the business is thriving. According to several researches 50% new businesses fail after 5 years but mine has survived so far.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, the world is waiting for an effective vaccine that we can take it and go back to our normal lives that we knew before the pandemic. Until then, some places are still under lockdown and we follow the protocols to stay safe.
Currently we have to be more sensitive to those around us especially those mourning their loved ones or businesses or both. Things will never return to normal or be the same again like before the COVID-19 pandemic even after an effective vaccine is ready. The world’s routine was changed and humanity adjusted to it. Right now we just hope things do not get worse in 2021 and beyond.
Stay safe and observe all COVID-19 protocols.