IOJ receives gifts from Japan cultural grant

The Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) recently received some much-needed equipment as gifts provided through a cultural grant from Japan.

The grant, valued at J$57 million, was used to buy several computers, computer server, cameras, a motor vehicle and other audiovisual devices.

In a release sent to The Gleaner, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange expressed gratitude to the government and people of Japan for gifts that were handed over to the Institute of Jamaica. Her message was delivered at the handover ceremony through Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade.

"These gifts are provided through a cultural grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and are helping the Institute of Jamaica to improve public access to Jamaica's cultural heritage through advanced audiovisual technology and a facility to expand its outreach programmes," she said. "With the assistance from the government and people of Japan, the IOJ will further its mission to enhance the awareness of Jamaica's cultural heritage on the global landscape and disseminate Jamaica's tangible and intangible culture and heritage in a more interactive way."

Resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Mr Kenji Tobita, said he was pleased with the partnership and will continue working with the IOJ to ensure the completion of the project.

Through funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Institute of Jamaica is improving the technological capacity of the Natural History Museum of Jamaica, Junior Centre computer lab, East Street Multimedia Production Studio and the Lecture Hall. In addition to the grant, the Japan International Cooperation Agency will also assist the IOJ in the engagement of a curator and animator from its volunteer programme to further enhance its initiatives.