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Performing Arts

Jamaica Festival of the Performing Arts Programme

The Jamaica Festival of the Performing Arts Competition is held annually to unearth, develop, and showcase the creative talents of Jamaicans from all walks of life. This cultural opportunity has benefitted many Jamaicans through training, exposure and recognition. The benefits derived enable participants to make worthwhile contributions to the creative and cultural industries, and building Brand Jamaica.

The areas covered in the Jamaica Festival of the Performing Arts programme are:

  • Dance and Deaf Dance
  • Drama and Theatre Arts
  • Traditional Folk Form
  • Music
  • Speech

The competition will be held in two stages: Parish Finals and National Finals. The award-winning entrants form part of the database of performers called upon to celebratory and commemorative events held in as the parish and national levels. The entrants compete for Certificates of Merit, Medals, Trophies and Cash Incentives.  

The Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts

The Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts is the highest and most prestigious award given annually in the Jamaica Festival of the Arts Programme.  In order to be eligible for the award, the participant must have competed in a minimum of the three areas in the Performing Arts Competition, where the winner would have amassed the highest score based on the quality of awards received during the competition.

Past Winners of the Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts

1994- 2001          St. Jago High School

2002-2003           Clonmel Primary & Junior High

2004                     Excelsior Community College

2005-2007           St. Jago High School

2008-2009           Glenmuir High School

2010                     Ardenne High School

2011                     Ascot High School

2012 - 2019         Ardenne High School

2020                    No institution awarded

2021                    Ardenne High School

2022                    Ardenne High School

2023                    Ardenne High School