Voice of Guyana International

Plans are progressing for Guyana’s hosting of the Region’s largest cultural show, the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X which will be held form August 22 to 31 2008.

Highpoint of the plans were outlined by Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony today during a briefing at the CARIFESTA Secretariat on Middle Street. The Minister was accompanied by the CARIFESTA Logistics Coordinator Lyndon Ross and steelpan icon Roy Geddes.

The performing arts which includes music, dance and drama is expected to take centre stage and plans are on-stream to strengthen this aspect.

The National Dance School which has its genesis in the first CARIFESTA in 1972, will be playing a lead role in next year’s event but as such Minister Anthony is hopeful that all artistes in the performing arts are involved.

“We want to identify all the people in the performing arts. We know some of them but we don’t know all and we are trying to avoid being accused of excluding individuals so we are calling for persons who are interested in the performing arts to register with us. Forms will be available from next week so that people can come in and register at the Secretariat”, Minister Anthony noted.

A special sub-committee on music has been established, which according to Minister Anthony, will focus on meeting the requirements and expectations of the visiting musical groups.

“As we host delegations that are coming in to Guyana on the musical side we have to look at the type of instruments needed and also some of the things that we need to have in place for our performance. The committee has been working on a list and doing their appraisals.” Minister Anthony said.

Steelpan which has its roots in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago is expected to be a vibrant part of next year’s festival. Efforts to strengthen this musical art form will include the support of steelpan expert Roy Geddes and five other instructors who will be working with the Ministry.

Minister Anthony added that the committee is working on the establishment of six new steel bands which will comprise players and instructors. Support in the various communities will be sought.
Preparatory efforts will also include the revitalisation of various existing bands and an assessment of their performance at Mashramani which will serve as a warm-up for CARIFESTA.

“We are working to have a national steel orchestra for CARIFESTA. This existed in the past and we want to return to that because we think it is important that we have a national steel orchestra,” Minister Anthony added.

He issued an appeal to professionals and other interested persons to indicate their interests early to the CARIFESTA Secretariat.
In the area of drama, a subcommittee has been established to assess and recommend the type of presentations that will be showcased during CARIFESTA.

Drama competitions in schools will be launched through collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts department. Winners and best performers in this competition will be included in the Guyana delegation for CARIFESTA.

The Guyana National Stadium at Providence has been selected to host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as a number of super concerts. The National Stadium will soon be installed with night lights.
CARIFESTA was born in Guyana in 1972 following an Arts and Writers Convention when stakeholders crafted a programme to showcase the Region’s rich cultural heritage and at the same time give recognition to its outstanding artistes and art forms.

Tagged: CARIFESTA, Guyana, mashramani, Music, roy geddes