The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has an array of activities lined up for this Yuletide Season aimed at pushing the products and services of local artists and artisans.
The NCF has again partnered with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to produce QEH Christmas Lunchtime Concerts, which began on Monday, December 12, and concludes on Friday, December 30.
The live entertainment, in the main entrance opposite the pharmacy, provides Christmas cheer to those visiting and conducting business at the hospital.
As it relates to programming, every Tuesday and Thursday, For De Culture, with hostess Paula Anne Jackman, will be aired on NCF’s social channels at 6 p.m.
This will mark the sixth and final season of For De Culture, which will conclude on a high note with an interesting Christmas special. The programme was born in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to highlight and showcase local talent.
Five local creatives guests will share their products and services that are perfect options for gifts this season. Shop edgy fashions with Melanie Renee, make your holiday party pop with Trevon Stoute, get the youngest person on your gift list Stokely Murray’s brand new book, Stacey’s handcrafted jewellery, or Kim’s handmade two-sided belts.
Marketing Officer at the NCF, Ashley Dyall, said the Foundation is excited to promote Bajan creatives during this festive season.
“The act of gift giving in itself is a very personal thing and local gifting allows persons to dive into a world of greater authenticity, as there are personal factors and true stories that seep into the product or service as well. If the last two years has taught us any lessons it is that supporting our local producers and business is so important for their success as well as the economy.”
She added: “There are so many benefits to shopping local and the offering is generally incredible and the NCF will continue to do its part to ensure that these creators continue to stay front of mind, hence why we have programmes like these. We try to assist where we can to offer those businesses a platform to connect them with wider audiences.”
The Shop Creative Programme, which is already on live radio, runs until Thursday, December 22. Twelve talented guests will be promoting their businesses and their products. These include: handmade, Boho, island-inspired jewellery by Victoriesque Designs; luxurious, handmade throw pillows from the interior decor product line by RexCraft Interiors; delectable desserts by Rae’s Sweet Treats; vegan, handmade skincare products by InSkin Bath and Body Company.
Other products on offer include minimalist, handmade ready-to-wear fashion by the brand Tialani; artisanal handbags by Ayola, and local delights and more by Kiara’s Enterprise.
The event will also feature beauty products by Beauty by Mya; the dazzling jewellery collection of Possé by Rodonya; vegan skincare by Mint on the Moon; handcrafted, lifestyle home fragrance product line by Native Caribbean; and handcrafted, organic skincare by Honey Child.
For more shopping gift ideas, Artisan Spotlight will be presented on the NCF’s social media. There, you will find local products and the contacts of local practitioners. This includes our WE166 Visual Arts and Fashion booklet, Shop 1359 Catalogue of local products and the Ivan Payne postcards and reproductions.
This Christmas activity all aligns with the Foundation’s goals of contributing the development of local culture through the support of local businesses, creators and entrepreneurs and providing them with opportunities both locally and internationally.