EMCVPA Rex Nettleford Arts Conference set for October 16-18, 2013

emcrexbannerWeb2MARK YOUR CALENDARS…Save the date! The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing will host its Second International Conference under the theme “The Creative Industries: Sustainability and Social Transformation”, Save The Dates for October, 16-18, 2013.

The importance of the creativity industry in the context of sustainability and social transformation in the 21st century cannot be overemphasized. More than ever before, during this period of economic turmoil there is increasing recognition that a large proportion of the new economy will depend on how well leaders succeed in supporting and unlocking people’s creative energies and capacity. This is important for innovation as a means of developing dynamic and vibrant regions, cities, communities and businesses. New situations require novel solutions, and creativity and innovation will be important to overcoming economic and social challenges.

Therefore the driving force in the next phase of the region’s development will be its imaginative and creative capacity. It is crucial that these key traits are fostered in our people to encourage new creation, increase productivity and maximize the growth opportunities; thus creating the emergence of alternate industries such as creative enterprises to succeed in a new innovation-led economy. The imaginative capacity of our creative people and a creative workforce is a key component for the development of a strong cultural economy. Read more by visiting the conference website http://www.emcartsconference.org/about/

The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has been through several stages in its evolution. The four Schools—Drama, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts—started out at different locations in Kingston. Two of the Schools, namely the School of Art and the School of Music, are historic because of their establishment in 1951 and 1961 respectively, before the island gained its independence from Britain in 1962.