The quality of festival performers has reached its lowest point in at least four years based on a 25 per cent dip in the medal tally despite record entries, the organiser Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has admitted.

It means that the judges were least impressed (relative to previous years) by the individuals, schools and community groups who entered the Performing Arts competitions in dance, music, drama, traditional folk and speech, based on JCDC data analysed by the Sunday Observer.

“The fluctuation in the number of medals awarded in any given year is dependent of the quality of the performances presented,” said Danielle Hopkins JCDC public relations co-ordinator in a written response to the Sunday Observer’s queries.

The number of medals awarded including gold, silver and bronze stood at 766 this year, which was one-quarter fewer than the amount given last year. It was also the lowest over four years at:

*766 medals in 2010;

*1026 medals in 2009;

*815 medals in 2008; and

*777 medals in 2007.

What’s worse is that the number of prestigious gold medals dipped by nearly half to 188 versus 331 awarded in 2009. The medal tally was found in the JCDC’s sponsorship package currently in circulation to businesses.

The best results came from the dance category as nearly one-third of the 479 entries received gold; 12 per cent of the 69 folk entries received gold; 11 per cent of the nearly 760 speech entries received gold; six per cent of the 672 music entries received gold; and 3.4 per cent of the nearly 40 drama entries received gold.

Interestingly, the dip in medals doesn’t reflect declining interest in the performing arts as the number of entries at 2016 was not only a record but up one-third over the entries in 2007:

*2016 entries in 2010;

*1969 entries in 2009;

*1696 entries in 2008; and

*1511 entries in 2007.

The rise in entries isn’t fortuitous but the result of islandwide campaign to entice talent.

“Since 2008, the JCDC has made considerable strides in unearthing talents across the island via a series of promotional strategies which have in turn attracted an increased number of new entrants to the varied competitions,” stated Hopkins who added that the JCDC also guides the talent in an attempt to improve the chances of medals.

“In order to familiarise competitors with the respective standards for each competition, the JCDC has also introduced a series of developmental workshops which are hosted across the island for participants and coaches,” she stated. “As dynamic as the nature of culture and cultural presentation, so too are the entries presented in each year and as such the JCDC is committed to and will consistently provide avenues through which participants may enhance and develop their talents.”

The JCDC is seeking $20 million in sponsorship for its 2011 season of performances. It will also add three new events including the Bob Marley Birthday Film Festival February 2011, Christmas Wonderland 2011 and an all schools fete July 2011.