CDF Unveil Art & The City Calendar for Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) has unveiled an extensive and eclectic calendar of events for the Arts component of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival (SLJAF).

Branded in 2023 as Art & The City (AATC), the Arts component is rooted in CDF's mandate of cultural development and AATC's mission to position Saint Lucia as a global destination for artists and creatives.

From May 1 to May 12, the AATC calendar will roll out across multiple events, and platforms in the city center and at premium venues in the north of the island.

It promises a line-up of Saint Lucian artists and artisans, alongside notable regional and international creators "serving up an eclectic menu of contemporary Art, Dance, Spoken Word, food, theatre and music".

This year's Icon Showcase will be a 1000-piece exhibition featuring three collections from Lewellyn Xavier at Orange Grove Plaza from May 4th - 13th. Globally renowned as one of the Caribbean's foremost artists, Llewellyn Xavier is also widely acclaimed for his contributions to environmental advocacy, using the visual arts as his medium.

As Saint Lucia's preeminent ambassador in the realm of visual arts, Xavier has been distinguished with the designation of a national cultural icon.

According to the Chairman of the CDF Darwin Guard, "Mr. Xavier's Icon Showcase exhibition beautifully embodies creative innovation and cultural richness as aspects of Saint Lucia's personality, ultimately positioning our country as a destination for not only tourists but also for artists and creatives."

This year, there will be a return of live musical performances daily at Derek Walcott Square from May 8th to May 10th.

Through the partnership support of the French Embassy and US Embassy, the international features carded for Jazz and Arts on the Square are a Creole Jazz Project led by French musician, composer and educator Eric Preterre and the Emmy Nominated Matthew Whitaker Quintet out of the USA. Saint Lucia's Monty Maxwell & Kalbas will also pay homage to the festival's foundation with their Creole jazz performance. A performance by the KPT Calypso collective promises a novel soul calypso set.

The Saint Lucia School of Music is also on the line-up with a 51-piece youth orchestra. The CDF is particularly excited to unveil a 30-plus drumming orchestra called The Big Drum Project, performing with dancers.

According to Drenia Frederick Creative Director at CDF, an elevated experience is planned for the Square with the infusion of the culinary prowess of Chef Orlando Satchell, an Artisan Row, a dedicated Food Court and a sculpture Park by celebrated sculptor Jalim Eudovic.

Other highlights of the AATC calendar include Claudia Edwards' theatre musical A Woman's Song Book (The Jazz Edition) written by Adrian Augier and directed by Alvin Hippolyte, Genesis Dance Showcase by Silver Shadows Dance Company, produced by Barry George, an interactive multi-artist Life in Colour Arts Exhibition at La Place Carenage, screenings of Mathurine Emmanuel's award-winning film Shantaye's World, and Voices of the Underground Night of Spoken Word featuring Headphunk Collective, Lisa Dublin (Canada) and headliner Seen The Poet (USA.).

Alongside paid and free events, AATC has also unveiled a training and development schedule including the "No Creative Left Behind" Creative Retreat, music masterclasses led by The Matthew Whitaker Quintet and Eric Preterre, Food Service and Safety training conducted by Chef Orlando and the Ministry of Health, and African Drum & Dance Workshops.

"AATC's infusion of masterclasses and training opportunities aligns with our mission to nurture talent, promote cultural exchange, and elevate artistic excellence," stated Ms. Frederick. "It underscores our commitment to fostering creativity and empowering artists and creatives within different creative sub-sectors."

Speaking at the AATC media reveal, Dr Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Culture and Creative Industries, described the curated selection of events and development workshops as "one that cements the Arts & the City as a cornerstone of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, underscoring CDF's work in promoting cultural exchange and creating the enabling environment for the growth and development of Saint Lucia's Orange Economy".