For the past two weekends, Saint Lucian artists have been displaying distinct, creative, not to mention beautiful artistic work, all as part of the 2016 National Arts Festival. The innovative showcasing commenced on Saturday April 23rd, with the Vieux-Fort Street Theatre, Arts and Cultural Exposé.
The community of Vieux Fort came out in support of its creatives as Clarke Street was transformed into a bustling hive of activity which included several high energy and appreciative performances from various artistic genres. Performances included hip-hop from Adrien Klein, poetry reading from Modeste Downes, a fashion display by Imani Models (showcasing pieces made from recyclable newspapers), reggae music from Sylvester ‘Itoobaa’ Peter, dance from N’Vogue as well as engaging and entertaining street theatre. The afternoon’s activities would be incomplete without the community collage, which saw children and adults alike expressing themselves using the medium of paint to create spontaneous pieces of artwork which will later be displayed at a strategic location in the community.
One of the activities organized as part of the educational component of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival took the form of an up close and personal session with internationally acclaimed Saint Lucian born dancer, Tania Isaac – Hyman. Ranked among the world’s top choreographers, Isaac – Hyman paid a visit to her alma mater, the St. Joseph’s Convent on Thursday 28th, where an excited group of students, interacted with her. The meet and greet was also attended by officials from the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and the Cultural Development Foundation, organisers of various elements of the music and arts festival, now into its twenty-fifth year of existence. Tania was on island to participate in a tribute to dance pioneer, Virginia Alexander.
The Cultural Icon Series was conceptualised and designed to celebrate iconic Saint Lucians’ creative journeys; their youthful ambitions; inspirations; hurdles; successes and adventures. Into its second year, the 2016 edition of the Cultural Icon Series, honoured the work of Julienne Virginia Alexander, in an exhibition at the Blue Coral Mall; chronicling the life of the dancer and choreographer through photographs, videos and biographies. On May 1st, dance lovers were treated to an incredible show of grace and style in a concert which saw the likes of Micole Aubertin-Murray, Shakeena President-Beckford, Tania Isaac-Hyman, Kiraly Saint Claire, Trevor King, Barry George, Shem Heliodore, Mellisa Reynolds, Carlton Ishmael, among many others.
The Cultural Development Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism Heritage & the Creative Industries, FLOW, JE Bergasse & Company Ltd, Landmark Events Ltd, Garden Gate Flowers, Island Mix Arts Emporium, Peter & Company Distribution Ltd, Auberge Seraphine, Sea Island Cotton Shop, She Caribbean Magazine and Daher Broadcasting Service for a highly successful and fitting tribute to a dance icon.
On the eve of another weekend, the Cultural Development Foundation supported by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, in collaboration with JQ Rodney Bay Mall and Bay Walk Mall and other partners, present the Artists’ Market from Thursday May 5th – Saturday May 7th. An array of authentic Saint Lucian creations will be on display on the strip between the two malls showcasing an assortment of jewelry, clothing, confectionery items as well as arts and crafts indigenous to Saint Lucia.