“Great things happen when there is a gathering of great minds…” echoed College Orator, Dr. Amina Blackwood-Meeks in her opening sentences to a small but purposeful audience at what will become a space to honour those who have or continue to contribute to the growth and development of the Arts in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. She shared that “the spot was part of the property of the British Army in Jamaica from the late 18th century until Jamaica’s independence in 1962 referred to then as Up Park Pen consecrated into the Cultural Training Centre.
The event was the second of a full week of activities designed to celebrate and honour our founding fathers and visionaries who contributed to the shaping of the institution we now know as The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Founders’ Week 2018 continues with the opening of an exhibition at the CAGE Gallery showcasing the work of the Faculty of the School of Visual Arts.
The College celebrates research in the Arts on Wednesday March 7 under the theme “Embracing Our Inheritance: Founders and Findings with a special discussion with discussants – Patsy Newland, Alma Mock Yen and Rev John Scott. Graduates of the Schools of Drama and Dance will be sharing their research on; Masculinities and How These Affect the Development of Our Young Men (Teca Donaldson), Step-parenting and the Struggles of Being a Step-child (Racquel Hutchinson), In/visibility and the Lure of Stardom in the Individual’s Quest to be Seen, Valued and Validated (Toni Ann Lalor), Masculinities, Community Violence, and the Fear of Death (Rajeave Mattis) and School of Dance graduate now adjunct lecturer in the School of Dance Ms. Kim Lee sharing a Research in Dance: Reflections on a performance based research process. Three final year students in the School of Arts Management and Humanities – Shelly-Ann Thompson, Shanique Benjamin and Melisa Williams will also share their research findings.
An Alumni reception follows at the recently revealed space behind the School of Drama affording graduates an opportunity to reconnect and engage the space responsible for honing their talents and shaping their careers.
For more information on Founders Week visit the College Blog at emc.edu.jm or connect with us on social #foundersweek.
