Traditional arts symposium a success
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Contact: Claudia Monlouis
Friday, May 30, 2008 – The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) hosted a one day symposium on Friday, May 30th on the traditional arts of St. Lucia. The activity drew proponents of literature, music, the performing arts, the flower festivals, and carnival to name a few.
Traditional Arts Officer with the CDF George 'Fish' Alphonse said the Foundation is aware that Saint Lucia's indigenous culture is at a critical point which requires serious interventions and support on the part of both government and citizens.
He explained that the symposium is expected to mark a positive turn around for the traditional arts of Saint Lucia. He commended the representatives, who turned up for the consultation, in order to pursue a work plan for the growth and sustenance of indigenous culture.
The event provided a platform for participants to comment on observations that what was once a rich culture, is slowly disappearing, along with a significant chunk of Saint Lucia's history.
“The objective is really to bring traditional arts groups together; that was never done before. Most of these groups function in their little areas, so what we are attempting to do is to bring together La Rose groups, La Marguerite groups, solo groups, traditional musicians, traditional dance groups, cultural development officers, Community Based Organizations (CBO's), the Folk Research Centre (FRC) and the Saint Lucia National Trust, to focus on Saint Lucia's culture,” he said.
The outcome of the day’s event was a work plan, which was then handed to the CDF for follow-up action on the recommendations cited by participants.
“Once the recommendations come in from the groups present, then CDF will act upon it. One of the recommendations has been to set up a really solid traditional arts department. Not an individual but a department, which will look at the traditional arts in general and from that set a budget for the traditional arts. At the moment our budget only extends to La Rose and La Marguerite so we need a budget that will consider all the other art forms,” Alphonse said.
The feature address was delivered by Monsignor Patrick Anthony, founder of the Folk Research Centre, historian, Catholic priest and cultural activist. |
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