RENOWNED Guyanese artist George Simon launched the “Onhare Indigenous Festival of Arts and Craft” at the Courtyard Mall, Georgetown on Thursday.
The festival seeks to foster entrepreneurship by providing vending opportunities for indigenous arts and craft, while promoting social cohesion between the indigenous communities and coastlanders.
Courtyard Mall Manager David Yhann said the festival includes an art exhibition at the National Art Gallery, art workshop for children in Paramakatoi which is ongoing until September 18, 2017 and a reporting session to be hosted by Terry Jannick at Moray House at the closing of the workshop.
In preserving indigenous culture and heritage, Yhann noted that avenues for entrepreneurship are created and these can address issues such as poverty and unemployment.
During the launch, the Rupertee Culture Dance Group of Region Nine executed two of their songs “The five plegs in North Rupununi and the Kanaima Dance,” which captivated their audience.
Social Cohesion Minister, Dr. George Norton, was impressed with the dancers and pointed out that the festival was in keeping with the spirit of Indigenous Heritage Month.
“I would help in whatever way I can to let the public become more and more aware of activities like this,” he said, noting that indigenous vendors should take the opportunity to learn from each other to improve their business skills and get into new markets.
During the festival, artists and craftsmen will showcase indigenous craft, foods and music at the courtyard mall. The three-day event is sponsored by Massy Distribution, New Building Society, Trans Guyana Airways and Sterling products Limited.