The name “Noyam” translates to “development” or “moving on” in the Ga-Dangme language of Ghana’s Greater Accra region. This concept fuels the institute’s commitment to spearheading the growth and evolution of the performing arts, specifically contemporary African dance, music, theatre/drama, and visual arts.
Our mission is to foster a positive perception of dance as a dynamic art form and a serious profession capable of contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of Africa. The Institute achieves this by empowering young dancers, choreographers, and other practitioners to advance their knowledge and understanding of dance through systematic, professional training that balances theory and practice in both traditional and contemporary genres.
Location: The historical town of Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. It is uniquely situated on the foothills of the picturesque Akwapim Mountains, known for mysterious forests, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
300 seating capacity Theatre
Basic housing/quarters
The fully operational complex will feature:
The foundation upon which we stand was meticulously laid by my father, the late Professor F. Nii-Yartey, whose visionary spirit continues to illuminate our path. Our gaze is fixed on the future, yet we do forget we stand on the bedrock of a legacy, a legacy that ensures the future of Noyam is not just secure, but stronger than ever. The fire that lit for the advancement of contemporary African dance in Ghana remains a brilliant, unquenchable flame.
Our enduring strength lies in the unshakeable core tenets of Noyam, an institution grounded on the Ga-Dangme philosophy of “Development” or “Moving On”. Noyam is committed to fostering Artistic Excellence through rigorous training that balances theory and practice. We believe in the power of the arts for Youth Empowerment and personal development, instilling confidence, discipline, and resilience in every student. Crucially, we remain dedicated to Community Engagement, using our performances and outreach programs as catalysts to spark dialogue, foster cultural understanding, and promote social change. These principles are the compass guiding our next phase of growth.
Noyam is and will continue to be the critical pivot point between Ghana’s artistic past and future, preserving the richness of traditional African culture while relentlessly pushing the boundaries of contemporary expression. We fuse the deep movement vocabulary of our heritage with modern techniques, creating a dynamic genre that is relevant, revolutionary, and authentically African.
As we move forward, our vision is global. We deepen our commitment to artistic development and invite all aspiring artists, passionate supporters, and new partners to Join the Movement. Together, we will ensure that the development and progression of the performing arts in Ghana and beyond continue, vibrant and unstoppable.
