Local performing arts company Ashe, is set to launch a new performing arts and cultural group in the Turks and Caicos islands — a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage in that country.

This move comes as the company prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The undertaking will be led by the Ashe Company’s executive director, Conroy Wilson, and artistic director, Michael Holgate. “Turks is very special to us because our co-founder, the late Joseph E Robinson is a native of Turks and Caicos,” said Wilson. “So Ashe is no stranger to the country. It is as if we are going home, so to speak,” he added.

Ashe noted that this announcement is aligned with the needs expressed by the Department of culture in the Turks and Caicos islands. The company cited that in contrast to Jamaica, with its multiplicity of cultural performance groups, currently, a void exists in the structure of the performing arts and cultural landscape throughout that country. The department has recognised a need for a functioning group similar to that established by Ashe in Jamaica, to perform for school events and deliver other transformative edutainment pieces.

Ashe began the audition process for the formation of the new group some time ago starting in South Caicos. Subsequent auditions will take place in other islands: North Caicos, Middle Caicos, Providenciales, and Grand Turk. After the selection process, the new members will be trained in the performing arts as well as edutainment, using the Ashe EIC (Excitement, Involvement & Commitment) methodology — a scientifically tested approach to impacting individuals and inspiring transformation. The Ashe performers are set for action in Turks and Caicos today showcasing their talent in the country and debuting an original production.

The formation of the new group will spearhead the efforts by the local departments to facilitate the holistic transmission of the Turks and Caicos Islands culture to the residents of, and visitors to, the country. The group will start with a cohort of 30 members. It is anticipated that those numbers will increase as time progresses.