As activities for the National Independence Festival for Creative Arts (NIFCA) get into full swing after a two-year hiatus, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, is encouraging Barbadians to come out and support the island’s creatives.
The Minister made the appeal recently during the official launch ceremony for the Festival at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre, Queens Park.
Since its inception, the Minister stated, the Festival has played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of Barbados by way of creativity, awareness and promoting activities, that form “the essence of the festival”.
Senator Munro-Knight proffered: “For all of us, there is a personal relationship with NIFCA and its expressions. NIFCA has traditionally targeted schools and community based organisations. It seeks to unearth and develop the rich talent of Barbadians. This festival, unlike any other national festival, showcases community talent in many disciplines covered under the NCF mandate.
She continued: “These include dance, drama and speech, fine arts, literary arts and music, culinary arts, craft, photography, and film and all of the innovations that are arising out of these art forms. The growth and sustainability of the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts must become more apparent as we seek to carve out our new national identity as a republic.”
The Minister contended that the Festival allowed artistes to use all the tools available in order to continue to tell the story of ‘who we are’, and ‘what made us unique as Barbadians’.
Senator Munro-Knight commended the National Cultural Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Carol Roberts and the Chairman, Dr. Jasmine Babb for coming up with innovative ways for creatives to express themselves and for their willingness to consult with stakeholders to make the Festival a success.