National arts festival provides avenue to showcase local talent

Thursday, February 18, 2010 – The 2010 National Arts and Craft Festival opened at the Blue Coral Mall in Castries Monday afternoon, with scores of students turning up to view the exhibits.

Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Arsene James, was also on hand and expressed great satisfaction with the quality of work displayed by Saint Lucian artistes.

Minister James also indicated that he is keen on developing the artistic skills of the island's youth through the education system

“I saw a number of paintings from some young artistes who are still developing and there is a lot of potential for growth. This is the sought of initiatives we want to see our youth engaged in to express their talents in arts and craft, and photography because I saw a number of very impressive photographs. Through the school system we want to encourage such initiatives to give students a chance to express themselves.”

The organisers of the 2010 National Arts and Craft Festival have also received kudos from one of the contributors.

Mr. Isaiah Charles, who displayed a variety of his natural soaps, says the national arts and craft festival provides excellent exposure for Saint Lucian artistes.

Charles explains that his business “Saint Lucia Novelty Candles and Soaps” also exposes and markets the island with a difference.

“That was actually the catalyst behind the idea, so if a tourist visits the island and appreciates our natural sites and symbols, he or she can purchase one of the soaps and take it back home to show family and friends what Saint Lucia is really about. This is one way of marketing the island while producing something that's functional and can be used,” Charles said.

The 2010 National Arts and Craft Festival forms part of activities to mark Saint Lucia's thirty-first anniversary of Independence.

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