PRESS RELEASE – THE Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) in collaboration with the Folk Research Centre (FRC) and the Events Company of Saint Lucia Inc. (SLECI) will this year present the public with a month of activities embracing the arts and Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage, with CDF being the executing body for the arts component during the celebrations.
These arts-related activities include (1) The Cultural Icon Series — a production conceptualised with the main aim of paying tribute to the visual artists, actors, dancers, writers, musicians and folk artists who wrote about, painted, composed and created a large part of the Saint Lucian identity, and share their histories, stories, experiences and work; (2) The La Marguerite Flower Festival; and (3) a Creole Market.
The Cultural Icons Series is a deliberate effort by CDF to build a strong, united and proud Saint Lucian community empowered by culture and creativity. Now into its third year, the Cultural Icon Series is slated for Monday, October 2, as part of the Arts & Heritage Month and honours the work of literary pioneer, Garth St. Omer.
St. Omer is one of St. Lucia’s major novelists. During the 1950s, he was part of a small group of young St. Lucian artists studying under Fr. Charles Jesse, who was also a prolific writer. A number of outstanding Saint Lucian artists will share the stage and present their interpretations of the literary pioneer’s work through dance, theatre, poetry and music in Prisnms – The Garth Concert.
The extraordinary evening in recognition of the genius, Garth St. Omer, takes place at the refurbished National Cultural Centre from 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $100 and are available from The Cell outlets island-wide and CDF.
For two days prior to the national celebration of JounénKwéyòl (Creole Day), artisans will showcase their skills and wares in the heart of the city centre from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on both days. On October 26 and 27, the Castries City Hall will transform into an extravagant exhibition space where creole technologies and Saint Lucian arts and cultural products will be on display.
A stone’s throw away, in Constitution Park, the public can expect artists from varying backgrounds to be on hand with products – all amazing representations of artists’ amazing talents and immense pride. The Creole Artists’ Market will provide Saint Lucians and visitors with an opportunity to experience Saint Lucian creativity, culture and community at its best.