JCDC hosts performing arts workshops - Entries for 2020 competition close November 29

Entries for the 2020 National Festival of the Performing Arts, hosted by Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), are now open and will close on Friday, November 29, and, as the agency prepares for the next cycle, it is hosting a series of performing arts workshops islandwide.

Scheduled for November and December 2019, the workshops aim to promote awareness of the competition, offer guidance with the application process, and educate prospective participants about the various stages of the competition, from auditions to national finals.

They are also geared towards promoting and strengthening Jamaican talents in the various performing arts categories, while addressing the development needs of the various areas, as well as any changes to the performing arts rules and guidelines.

Conducted by trained personnel, proficient in the various performance areas, the workshops aim to address areas of weaknesses seen in the 2018 competition, advance training, and highlight those entering the competition for the first time.

Andrew Clunis, director of marketing and public relations at the JCDC, pointed out that the agency is seeking a record number of entries for 2020. “We know the big impact that the competitions have on individual lives and communities and we are determined to keep building the cultural capacity of the country. We are, therefore, encouraging persons with talent to attend and participate in the workshops and to submit their entries early,” he said.

The workshops are a prelude to the competition, which begins in January 2020 with auditions.

Clunis revealed that entries are also open for 2020 Festival Song, Festival Queen and Adult and Children’s Gospel Song competitions

Additionally, the 2020 Jamaica Gospel Song and Jamaica Children’s Gospel Song competitions will also close for entries on Friday, November 29, while the Jamaica Festival Song and Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competitions will close for entries on Friday, February 28, 2020.

Entry forms for the JCDC’s competitions and additional information on the workshops can be found online at www.jcdc.gov.jm, or at the JCDC Head Office, 3-5 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10, and all JCDC parish offices islandwide.