Young Jamaicans will have an opportunity to develop their talents this summer in a series of cultural workshops organized by the Programmes Coordination Division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ).
The focus will be on developing the talents of the six to 18 year olds in the visual and performing arts.
Workshops are scheduled to take place at the Greater Portmore and East Street Junior Centres from July 4 to 29,while activities at the Simón Bolívar Cultural Centre at 10 to 12 North Parade Kingston will encourage appreciation for the Latin American and Caribbean arts.
Activities at the junior centres will be a combination of art and craft, speech and drama, papermaking, drumming, dance, music, creative writing, sign language, personal development, life skills, tours and presentations.
Director of the Programmes Coordination Division of the IOJ, Jacqueline Bushay, told JIS News that the children will be able to learn while having fun.
“Additionally, there is an opportunity to learn and enjoy Latin American and Caribbean culture through artistic activities,” she added.
Sessions will be hosted Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Junior Centres; and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the cultural centre.
The programme will conclude with the annual event dubbed, ‘Summer Extravaganza’, an exhibition of the children’s art pieces, as well as a concert of dance, drumming, speech, drama and art and craft.
Registration closes on June 29 for the cultural centre workshops and July 1 for the Junior Centres.
Mrs. Bushay told JIS News that participants who register early will receive a discount.
The mandate of the Junior Centres is to provide the facilities for young people to acquire and develop skills in the various art forms, so as to improve their intellectual, aesthetic and cultural growth.
The Simón Bolívar Cultural Centre, which is the newest addition to the Programme Division Centre of the IOJ, is a gift from the Venezuelan Government. It was officially opened on September 6, 2015. The centre serves to unite the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean through the integration of cultures.
Source: Jamaica Information Service