British Virgin Islands art, culture and cuisine will be showcased in the Festival of Arts event designed to spark interest in the arts and rouse the local artistic community to exhibit their talents and creativity. Photo:VINO

Festival invitation. Image:supplied

“I appreciate that we are thinking outside the box to include not only the arts like music, dance, and poetry, but also those cultural aspects which are distinctly Virgin Islands such as our architecture, folklore, sculpting, visual arts, culinary arts, and performing arts. This is indeed anopportunity for us to celebrate the creativity of our people,” remarked the Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE during a press conference on 31 January.

Presented by the Fifth District, the Department of Culture, and the BVI Tourist Board, festivities begin with an opening ceremony and art show from 20 participating artistes on 10 February at 4:00 p.m. at Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on Tortola.

Those seeking history and an opportunity to indulge their palate can experience authentic Virgin Islands cuisine at “A Taste of BVI Culinary Art” food tasting fair held at the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, 7 March.

Performing Arts sets the tone on Saturday, 9 March at 7:00 p.m. when a group of local actors take stage at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium in H. Lavity Stoutt Community College for a production featuring aspects of Virgin Islands roots, heritage and culture.

Visual Arts is the theme on Tuesday, 12 March at 10:00 a.m. for “A Mountaintop Art Gallery and Open Museum”, which includes guided tours starting at the Cultural Wall of Murals leading to Ifield Hodge’s Vista The Look Out, storytelling, entertainment and cultural treats from Iris’ Place.

During the period of the Festival of Arts there will be various forms of entertainment in several locations around Road Town especially during the hours when Cruise Ships are in port.

Art Show to Kickoff BVI Festival of Arts

The Festival of Arts committee is asking for businesses to support this event and the artistes through sponsorship. For additional information please contact the Festival of Arts Committee by email at deechrist@hotmail.com

The BVI Tourist Board supports the cultural arts and this event through marketing and promotions.