Opening of National Arts Festival Week deemed a success

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - DOCUMENTATION SPECIALIST of the St. Kitts Department and member of the Independence 30 Committee, Marlene Phillip has hailed yesterday’s (Sept. 9) opening of the National Arts Festival Week (Sept. 8-14) “quite a success”.

The day’s event which was held at the Independence Square was dubbed “Performance Art, Folklore in Splendor” and the week-long activities are in celebration of St. Kitts and Nevis’ 30th Independence Anniversary.

Yesterday’s event saw an exhibition of arts and craft as well as performances by various folklore groups such as masquerades and the Mansion Bull.

Some of the display stalls and table included the Craft House; self-employed entrepreneur Theresa Richardson with her acrylic wool products of purse, bags and earrings; Kcee’s Tropical (manicure and pedicure business); and Under Banyan Tree Heritage Site Awareness. 

Speaking with SKNVibes, Phillp shared that around midday quite a number of people had passed through the Square.

She pointed out that “we were able to send a strong message” about National Arts Festival Week and encourage people to attend.

Minister of Culture Marcella Liburd, speaking at the opening ceremony, touched on the importance of the cultural sector.

“Even in the face of economic downturn and its resultance of less fiscal space for governments, the cultural sector remains alive. Just take a glance around the Caribbean and you would realise that no Caribbean carnival is without mass vibrant participation of its people.” 

She pointed out that “we cannot lose sight of the fact that the cultural sector brings with it a feel good spirit which stimulates learning, the economy and strengthens bonds of friendship, diversity and networking”.

According to Liburd, Culture has an intrinsic value. It is therefore important that we understand the direct and indirect opportunities within the culture sector. Culture must no longer be perceived as an add-on; it must be brought to the centre of economic growth and not remain on the periphery.

Today (Sept. 10), Visual Arts will be highlighted under the theme ‘Eye  4 Art.’