More support for our creative sector

IT is an honour and privilege to be celebrating the first Sunday in the last month of 2021. Thank you to all the persons who sent messages or called with positive feedback about the Gift of Confidence for the holidays. Special thank you to the jazz legend Herbie Marshall who reads this column every week and gives his reviews after. He said BEYOND THE RUNWAY is very inspiring and it is the first thing he reads from the papers on Sundays.

Herbie and I always have great conversations about purpose and passion for what we do as creatives. When it is in your DNA, you can’t escape it no matter where we go. Creativity allows you to see things as they could be and not as they are. The pic with me at the tree stump was taken in October. Raquel and I were in the National Park exercising and I got a vision as we were walking past this masterpiece.

I stopped and shared my vision with her to have this tree stump and the others in the vicinity painted in beautiful artwork and positive affirmations. The park attracts a large number of persons who exercise daily. You never know what people are going through and one word can trigger something positive in the mind. Raquel was very excited because Iwokrama had an exhibition planned with some partners, including Banks DIH at the Iwokrama Office on Barrack Street. Raquel supports our local creatives and always encourages others to do the same.

The art in the park served as a launch for the exhibition and it was awesome. The exhibition showcased painting, digital art, wooden sculptures, Tibisiri craft, sea-glass art and jewellery. I bought a pair of clay earrings from Lisa Thompson, who is a very impressive 12-year-old young lady from an indigenous community. The participants were elated because they made sales and an opportunity for new clients. Dr Thomas must be commended for this initiative.

Most of the participants were from Main Street Artist Group and Moving Circle of Artists. The person who participated were were:
Arianne Harris
Nigel Butler-NIX
Ransford Simon
Bevan Allicock
Sheliza Rampersaud
Bryan Clarke-Coordinator
Junior Vancooten
Brian Van Rossom
Janette Patterson
Brentnol Lewis
Stephen McKenzie
Lisa Thompson
Frankie Lumerick
Albert Barnwell
Desmond Hollingsworth
Gail Ann Barry

We have such talented people in the creative sector and we are still optimistic that one day soon things will get better.
I met a very impressive young man recently and I admire his passion for what he does. Jason October and I started an interesting conversation regarding our creative sector while waiting to receive our awards from the Guyana Cultural Association New York at a simple handing-over ceremony at Moray House.

He received the third prize for the Godfrey Chin Award for Heritage Journalism. Moray House Trust – Second Prize and Florence Alexi La Rose got the First Prize. The Moray House Trust  also  received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Both awards were received by Russel Lancaster. Nelsion Nurse is a young man I am super proud of and it was an honour to witness him receiving his award. Michelle “Big Red” King also received a well-deserved award.

The Guyana Cultural Association’s Awards recognise individuals and organisations from global nominations whose creativity and leadership reflect our cultural heritage and demonstrate significant achievements in accomplishing the objectives of our theme – Reconnecting Stronger and Better. Awardees are selected by judges who evaluate each nomination considering attributes in our published criteria that incorporate originality, scope, impact/influence, integration, pioneering spirit, challenges and achievements.

It feels good to be acknowledged for contributions that benefitted society. Board members Edgar Henry and Kishore Seunarine who hosted the virtual ceremony presented the award and Proclamations to the awardees at Moray House. The Award Ceremony is one of the flagship programmes of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc.
A big thank you to all members for the honour and special appreciation to Dr Rose Eden October for the nomination. Also, thank you to Senator Kevin S Parker for the Proclamation.

The creative sector is not where it should be, but we will continue to try because giving up is not an option. I encourage supporting for the holidays because your support can make a difference. The Entrepreneurs Association for Sustainable Development will be launched on Wednesday at the Pegasus with a press conference and mini expo at 10:00hrs. Visit the FB Page for the exhibitors live stream schedule and other materials as we continue this journey called Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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