Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Visual Arts Competition, staged annually by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), has shattered records to mark its most successful staging yet. With record entries, unprecedented participation, and medalists from all 14 parishes, anticipation is high for the Awards Ceremony this Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Confucius Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona. The celebrations will continue with the opening of the Gold Medal Exhibition at the Olympia Gallery in Papine, St. Andrew.
Minister of Culture, the Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange described this year’s staging as a defining moment: “This year’s record-breaking competition proves that the future of Jamaican visual arts is limitless. With hundreds of first-time entrants and awardees from every parish, we are witnessing the rise of a new generation of talent carrying our culture forward.”
She added: “This goes to the very heart of the JCDC’s mission. Jamaicans are a creative people, and the Commission is proud to provide the platform that nurtures, showcases, and celebrates their artistry.”
Echoing that sentiment, Executive Director of the JCDC, Lenford Salmon, pointed to the meticulous adjudication process as proof that this year’s winners truly represent the highest standards of artistic excellence:
“To earn an award in the JCDC Visual Arts Competition is no easy feat. Each piece was carefully assessed at multiple stages, and only the very best advanced to the final round. We are confident in the quality of works which will be showcased, and we encourage the public to attend the exhibitions, experience the creativity on display, and support the artists whose talent is a true reflection of Jamaica’s creative spirit.”
This year’s staging is strengthened by the support of both new and longstanding sponsors. The Musson Foundation, partnering with the competition for the first time, will present the Peggy Blades Art Prize to the school that secures the most medals. In addition, the Foundation will sponsor the Most Outstanding Teachers Awards, offering cash prizes to the teachers of youth awardees (ages 6–17) who win the highest number of medals.
The JCDC also acknowledges the enduring support of the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, a longstanding partner whose contributions have been instrumental in sustaining the competition’s growth and success.
Exhibition and Tour
The Gold Medal Exhibition at Olympia Gallery will run from October 2–15, 2025, after which the JCDC will mount a series of regional exhibitions of medal-winning artworks.
Simultaneous showcases will be held in Kingston and St. Catherine from October 18–30, followed by Mandeville from November 1–13. The tour will then conclude with simultaneous exhibitions in St. Ann and St. James from November 15–27. Each stop will feature School Days Out, giving students the chance to view the displays, meet artists, and take part in creative sessions, along with technical workshops to strengthen skills in areas such as ceramics, fibre art, and printmaking.
The public is invited to view the exhibitions, with additional details available at their nearest JCDC parish office as well as the JCDC website (www.jcdc.gov.jm).
