The Carifesta Secretariat aims to increase youth involvement in the arts by hosting and giving prominence to youth-centred creations at Carifesta X.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the festival will feature a children’s seawall mural and a youth forum which will be supported by the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony told Patentia Secondary School students, at the launch of the Carifesta Child Art competition on Wednesday last, that participating in the mural contest was an opportunity to showcase their talents to the Caribbean and the world. The mural is expected to span 100 metres and children countrywide are encouraged to participate. The competition is titled ‘The beginner and his expression’ and is open to youths in the 8-11, 12-14 and 15-18 age ranges. The top three entries will be submitted to the Secretariat and the winning entry will be exhibited during Carifesta. Winners in the different categories will receive attractive prizes including Ipods and laptop computers. GINA said the programme would be further promoted locally when the Guyana National Competition is launched. This will give youths an opportunity to express their interpretations of the theme and logo.
Meanwhile, UNICEF will also be facilitating a children’s art and painting exhibition on a designated space at its 72 Brickdam location. It will also launch a Caribbean Youth website. UNICEF said its participation in Carifesta is an opportunity to help children, who comprise two-thirds of the Caribbean population, participate in a historic festival that emphasizes culture, purpose and life.
Anthony said Guyana was among few countries in the Caribbean to have a leading role in visual arts. This, he noted, is evident by the inputs of the Burrowes School of Art. He also said Guyana boasted a number of renowned artists and art monuments; living examples of the country’s potential.
According to GINA, the youth village is also expected to be a huge draw to young people as it will feature digital playground workshops that will allow them to make videos and other virtual presentations during the festival. It will be held at the National Park.
Carifesta X will be hosted from August 22 to 31.
