This was a programme funded by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the European Union The objective was to engage 4 communities, train 50 community youth and empower community members and creative and cultural organisations in Downtown Kingston. These communities possess a wealth of musical and creative talents as well as entrepreneurial skills and heritage sites. Being trained to host “Artwalks” – cultural walking tours – in their community allowed them to showcase the best of their talent and heritage. The project was implemented during January – April 2020. Activities were carried out under a budget allocation of €19,400 (J$3,000,000) grant funding from the European Union and counterpart funding from Kingston Creative of J$600,000.
With support from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the European Union, Kingston Creative partnered with artists, artisans, and community-based organizations to develop ArtWalks in four communities in Downtown Kingston, celebrating each neighborhood’s vibrant culture.
Hundreds of people gathered in Rae Town for an Artwalk themed on Dance in January 2020, then rocked to the vibes in Trench Town and Beat Street in February 2020, and finally took a virtual stroll through Tivoli Gardens (link to YouTube Channel) April 2020. Each ArtWalk celebrated the rich history and unique cultural presence of the Downtown communities through art performances, tours, painting murals and hosting exhibitions.
Through this project Kingston Creative delivered workshops to train 50 youth as cultural hosts, to write scripts for the tours and partnered with twelve visual artists to paint murals.
Artists Employment
Ninety creative practitioners and cultural entrepreneurs have performed, exhibited, and sold merchandise through four Community ArtWalks. Over 1000 visitors toured the heritage sites in Rae Town, Beat Street (Orange Street), and Trench Town and were introduced to local artists and artisans and purchased pieces at the Kingston Creative Market Street. Over 600 and counting visitors to Tivoli Gardens Virtual ArtWalk, featuring local performers, artisans, oral historians, and little known cultural sites. A database of community artists, cultural and creative entrepreneurs was developed to improve visibility and access.
Creative Training
Over 50 Cultural Ambassadors were trained to lead cultural tours. In collaboration with local community-based organizations, creative entrepreneurs were trained in all aspects to execute artisanal markets and live performance events.
Results
Additional achievements this project accomplished are outlined below:
- 5 communities engaged (Including Allman Town)
- 8 CBO’s engaged as partners to Community Artwalks
- 7 training sessions hosted by Kingston Creative (4) and partner CBOs (3)
- Over 40 Community Cultural Hosts participating in Community Artwalk Tours
- 6 cultural walking tours and one virtual tour conducted
- Over 90 performers employed, plus open mike performers gained exposure
- Over 30 artisans employed in Community Artwalks
- Over 10 media exposures
