ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 20th, 2012 – Residents and visitors of London are in for a treat on Tuesday, July 24, when 12 artists from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) showcase their work during the 9th Annual BVI Art and Culture Show and Territory Day Reception.
The event is hosted by BVI London Office and will take place at BVI House.
In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, BVI London Office Director Mr. Kedrick Malone said the show is expected to attract a wide spectrum of visitors including Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom (UK), public officials, representatives from other Overseas Territories, and persons from the BVI visiting London for the Olympic Games.
He said the event is usually held the week of Territory Day on July 1, but was pushed back this year to coincide with the Olympic festivities, which begins later in the week.
To that end, Mr. Malone said, “The influx of visitors into London is an opportunity to expose the talent found in the BVI, in addition to showcasing our unique culture.”
He added, “This year’s art and culture show will truly be a spectacular display of BVI culture, shown by the group of local artists who have collaborated to produce the collection of art called ‘Nature’s Little Secrets: An Artists’ Perspective’.”
According to the director, the theme came out of the artists’ workshop held in the BVI earlier this year. The workshop, facilitated by Art Curator Ms. Ziggi Golding of the United Kingdom (UK), was geared towards developing artists’ business skills in preparation for the international art market.
Mr. Malone said, “This year’s art is the first produced since the artists’ workshop, which was designed to help the local artists produce work that would be more marketable in the UK and internationally.”
He further stated, “The artists were encouraged to step it up a notch and as a result are showcasing their best work, evidence that they were taking note of the strategies shared in the workshop.”
Ms. Golding and UK-based Art Historian and Curator Mr. Edward Lucie-Smith, both assisted in choosing the featured pieces for this year’s Art and Culture Show. The pieces were chosen from a collection launched in the BVI on June 8.
The Art and Culture Show will include the annual silent auction featuring prizes donated by top BVI resorts, dive companies and yacht charters. Proceeds from the auction will assist the BVI’s Family Support Network, a non-profit agency that assists women and children affected by domestic violence.
Entertainment will also be provided by local singer/ songwriter Mr. Oren Hodge of the band, Blue Essence.
Participating artists include Misses Beverly Donovan, Pearl Friday, Desiree Smith, Trenita Hodge, Carima Wilson and Diane Drayton; Messrs. Joseph Hodge, Justin Hodge, Seymore Springette and David Turnbull; and Mmes. Cheryl Smith-Maggiocomo and Valencia Braithwaite.
The Annual BVI Art and Culture Show is in line with Government’s mandate to offer local artists exposure via the BVI House, in addition to the enhancement and promotion of local arts and cultural expressions to develop pride in all residents, which in turn builds a better British Virgin Islands.
The BVI London Office at BVI House displays BVI art throughout the building and hosts the BVI Art and Culture Show every year since 2004 in commemoration of Territory Day.
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British Virgin Islands News