THE year 2018 will mark 55 years since the establishment of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), which was first called “Festival Office”.

With an expanded mandate to unearth, develop, promote and preserve the creative talents and cultural expressions of the Jamaican people, the JCDC has started islandwide developmental workshops. The aim of the workshops is to help participants, who will be showcased in the 2018 Festival cycle and during JCDC’s 55th anniversary celebrations, to learn the background to their craft and hone that talent, so it can be presented on the national stage to a global audience.

“What persons see on stage is really the culmination of a year-long process” said Stephen Davidson, director of Marketing and public relations.

“As soon as we end the annual Emancipation and Independence Celebrations, the JCDC is in preparation and execution mode for the following year. Our year begins with the opening of entries and a series of intense workshops in the various arts — performing (music, speech, drama, dance, traditional folk forms), literary, culinary, visual and unique arts,” he continued.

The Festival of the performing arts workshops are a prelude to the Festival of the Performing Arts competition, which begins in January 2018 with auditions. The workshops — conducted by trained personnel, proficient in the various performance areas — aim to advance training, address areas of weakness seen in the 2017 competition, and highlight those entering the competition for the first time. The workshops will also address the developmental needs of the various subject areas as well as any changes to the performing arts rules and guidelines.

Some workshops will span two days and are open to individuals, teachers, students, community groups, youth clubs, social clubs, performing arts clubs and church groups. Most workshops are at a minimal cost, which will help to cover lunch, workshop material and certificate.

The Festival of the Performing Arts is a part of the JCDC’s year-long programme of cultural activities, which seeks to preserve the best of Jamaica’s culturewhile unearthing, developing and showcasing the talents of the Jamaican people.

Davidson also noted that entries for the 2018 competitions are now being accepted but will close on Friday, December 1, 2017. Entry forms can be had at JCDC’s head office in Kingston, JCDC parish offices, and on their website www.jcdc.gov.jm