The Division of Culture, under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, has commissioned a comprehensive review of the Festival of the Arts. This initiative aims to assess and enhance the festival’s impact, identifying areas for growth, innovation, and improvement. The goal is to elevate the festival into a vibrant, relevant, and engaging cultural event that offers a high-quality experience while ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Launched in the 1960s, the Festival of the Arts was designed to showcase the creative and artistic talents of students across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The festival serves as a platform for schools to compete in various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, and theatre, providing students the opportunity to express their creativity, refine their skills, and gain exposure in a supportive and competitive environment.
Beyond being a competition, the festival offers an educational experience that promotes the development of essential life skills such as discipline, determination, and teamwork. Students learn the value of hard work and perseverance, while the event also uncovers hidden talents and fosters personal growth, self-confidence, and a sense of pride in achievements.
The review process will be a collaborative effort, gathering feedback from key stakeholders to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and explore opportunities for further growth. The consultative process will include two main components:
- Educational Districts: Mini consultations will be held in each of the seven educational districts in partnership with the Ministry of Education. These consultations will focus on engaging primary and secondary schools (public and private) that are the festival’s primary stakeholders.
- National Consultation: Following the district consultations, a National Review will convene representatives from the educational districts, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Culture, community organizations, and individuals involved in the visual and performing arts.
The review process begins during the week of March 24th, with district consultations scheduled as follows:
- Monday, March 24th: St. George
- Tuesday, March 25th: St. Patrick
- Wednesday, March 26th: St. David and St. Andrew
- Monday, March 31st: Carriacou
- Tuesday, April 1st: St. John/St. Mark
The Review Facilitation Team looks forward to candid discussions with key stakeholders to gather comprehensive insights, identify areas for improvement, and recommend actionable steps to enhance the festival. More than just a competition, the Festival of the Arts plays a pivotal role in fostering the next generation of artists, performers, and creatives.
For further information, please contact:
- Mr. Kelvin Jacob, Chief Cultural Officer, 415-0202
- Ms. Susan Jones-Benjamin, Assistant Chief Cultural Officer, 458-4147
