Kingston Creative aims for J$50 million in pledges

Kingston Creative continues their crusade this Sunday, at the monthly Artwalk and Market Street activities in downtown Kingston, this time under the theme, 'Digital Meets Art'. Included will be digital exhibitions, an augmented reality experience and a mobile game, in keeping with their mandate to develop the central business district as an art one. This month brings a wide range of contributors, precluding the public appeal to potential investors to pledge their support for the initiative.

According to Kingston Creative co-founder Andrea Dempster-Chung, the augmented reality experience will be developed by Next Gen Creators.

Digital Meets Art

For this month's digital theme, Kingston Creative has partnered with the Jamaica Cultural Development Corporation (JCDC) and the National Convention Centre to mount a digital photography exhibition, featuring 33 photographers and over 100 works. Local independent films will also be screened at F & B Downtown.

The National Gallery also be participating in this month's digital theme, and participants will be treated to a screening of this year's Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) PROPELLA short films. Following the screening, youngsters from Parade Gardens will be invited to a free film workshop.

"After the National Gallery is when the game will start," Dempster-Chung said. The augmented reality game will take users on a tour of the city through a mobile app. She explained that through the app, pictures on the wall will appear animated, and people will be able to take photos with the animations. Using the app, gamers will have to scavenge for clues and answer cultural trivia questions in a race for a special prize.

Water Lane Murals

On Sunday, they will also launch their mural project. California-based Jamaican artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes will start with the first of 12 murals to be painted along Water Lane, Kingston. All the mural designs will become augmented reality experiences, thanks to Next Gen Creators. "It will show information, old Kingston Creative photos; the dancers will move. It will be the first in the region," Dempster-Chung told The Gleaner.

To sustain their plans, Kingston Creative is seeking investments. "We keep talking about culture it's everywhere, and we know it's powerful. But we haven't created an ecosystem where people can make money from it," Dempster-Chung said. As such, Kingston Creative will host a press conference on Tuesday, November 27, seeking the first 50 pledges of J$1million.

"The first 50 persons/businesses willing to invest will have to provide J$1 million in funding during 2019," she explained. The monies will be put towards Kingston Creative's rebranding efforts, establishing a creative incubator hub and financing Water Lane mural project.

"We have received commitments. At the press conference, we will be announcing those pledges and encouraging others to come on board." State minister of culture Alando Terrelonge and Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams are among those slated to attend.