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Over 500 primary school students are expected to converge at the Folkestone Park and Museum next Friday, May 18, when that facility throws open its doors, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., for an Open/Cultural Day, to mark International Museum Day.

The theme for this year’s observance is Museums in a Changing World. New challenges, New inspirations.

Established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977 to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society, International Museum Day has been gaining popularity since its inception. Last year, the observance garnered record‐breaking participation with almost 30,000 museums hosting events in more than 120 countries.

Here in Barbados, school children, as well as members of the general public, are being encouraged to visit the St. James facility to participate in a number of guided tours as well as view the Folkestone Redevelopment Showcase and enjoy lively cultural presentations.??

"International Museum Day is celebrated annually at Folkestone Marine Museum, which is a member of the Barbados National Committee of ICOM. This year, we will highlight the plans for the proposed redevelopment of Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve which will be on display," explained Manager of Folkestone, John Nicholls, who indicated that work on the redevelopment was being conducted by Canadian consultants Blackbird Designs, the team also responsible for the design solutions and installation of the interpretive exhibits and signage at Harrison’s Cave.

"In keeping with this year’s theme, we will also be highlighting new innovations in interpretive presentations. For instance, we are looking at alternative energy utilising photovoltaic cells as part of the development of a sustainable eco-tourism sector," he added.

Scheduled cultural presentations include performances by the St. James Secondary School Band, between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.; the Tuk Band and Mother Sally from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Barbados Landship, between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Guests will also be able to participate in a karaoke session slated to be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Plants will be available for sale by the National Conservation Commission and music will be provided by DJ Gerald B. While there will be no admission fee for the Open/Cultural Day, food and drinks will be on sale.

According to ICOM, International Museum Day, now in its 35th year, will allow visitors to ponder the role of museums in the era of new media, and to discover how they are looking to the future in terms of sustainable development.

carol.gaskin@barbados.gov.bb

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