As anticipation builds ahead of the opening of entries for the 2023 National Festival the Performing Arts Competitions, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has kick-started the season with a series of regional online workshops geared at sensitizing the public about its updated competition handbooks. The workshops, which were facilitated by JCDC’s Developmental Specialists in the areas of Music, Dance, Drama, Speech, and Traditional Folk Forms, were held during the period November 1-18, 2022.
Mr. Andrew Brodber, Director of Arts Development and Training at the JCDC explained that the regional workshops form part of the Commission’s overall efforts to prepare participants for the upcoming opening of entries. He said, “The national social distancing protocols caused by the COVID 19 pandemic resulted in several critical changes being made to the format of the 2021 and 2022 National Performing Arts Competitions. As we gradually revert to full face-to-face engagement, workshops such as these are necessary to inform all prospective participants, adults and youth, about the new guidelines, categories and awards.”
Stacy-Ann Hanson, a Student Support Pathway Coach at the Perth Town Academy, located in Trelawny, expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained from the JCDC’s Regional Music Workshop she attended online. She described the session as “very informative, insightful, and refreshing”. She further noted that the workshop provided clarity to questions she had about the guidelines and handbook and that this will go a far way in preparing participants.
For over 50 years, the National Festival of the Performing Arts that spans areas of Music, Dance, Drama, Speech, and Traditional Folk Forms, has aided Jamaicans with finding a platform for expressing themselves in ways that are both creative and progressive. The 2023 competitions promise to continue this positive nation building tradition.
Persons interested in entering the upcoming Festival of the Performing Arts Competitions are encouraged to visit www.jcdc.gov.jm, JCDC’s social media pages or call any of the 13 JCDC parish offices for more details.
