OPENING CEREMONY:
The opening launch of this year’s National Festival of Arts is proposed to be held at the Memorial Park on 25th May, 2010, at 10:00am. A diverse and enthuse parade is set to commence the colorful week of activities which we propose to include several school from across the country filling the streets with a plethora of colors with their respective school uniforms and customs, the top 3 winners in Band Fest 2010, and many more well acclaimed artist and cultural groups. The Minister of Culture, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. will be asked to do the keynote address at the opening along with speeches from some respective youth leaders from across the country which is to be followed by dynamic performances both contemporary and folkloric. How stimulated it will be to see a stage full of local Belizean talent in all artistic discipline with the air full of music, drama and dance to declare the festival open.
VISUAL AND AUDIO-VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION:
May 19th marks the opening of the Visual and Audio-Visual Arts Exhibition at the Bliss Centre/Belisle Arts Gallery. This exhibition will showcase 6 pieces of work per district in any of the following media: paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics, graphic arts and videos amongst others. Before the exhibition officially opens in Belize City, however, the selected pieces will be displayed in 4 preliminary showcases (1 per region) between April 26th and May 19th. This will take place at the various Houses of Culture countrywide or at a designated location in the region in the event there is no HOC. This is being done so that the region will have the opportunity to display their respective pieces and artists to the area. Participating pieces will be selected by ICA personnel.
PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE:
The Performances in music, drama and dance will be presented at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts on 26th through to 29th May. In addition to the usual presentation of the most outstanding entries in the District Festivals, a Senior category was included to broaden the arena this year. The Juniors will present from 10am – 12 noon, while all Senior presentations will take place between the hours of 7:00pm – 9:00pm. In this section of the National Festival of Arts 2010, we are encouraging each artist to express their artistic talents in very inventive and unique ways. The recruiting team will be looking to see both traditional and contemporary performances to be a part of this showcase. The Ministry of Education will be responsible for selecting 15 most outstanding entries from the Primary school level, 6 from the Secondary level and the Institute of Creative Arts will be liable for enlisting the other participants either individuals or groups from various artistic organizations and private art schools. Each district will be given the option of displaying a respective artist for a month, embracing and acknowledging their talent and contribution in the Arts. All the performing arts presentation will be broadcast live on local channels.
Auditions will be held for Adults who wish to participate. Additionally, two best pre-school selections will be chosen to showcase their winning pieces in Junior Category. Deadline for all submissions of entries will be no later than May 14, 2010.
CREATIVE WRITING & STAGE PLAY:
Creative Writing
Two creative writing competitions will be held: Short Story and Stage Play. Call for entries will be made 16 April 2010 with closing date being 10th May 2010 for submissions. A judging panel will review the entries and the winners will be announced during the Performing Arts Showcase. Two respective cash prizes will be given as prizes along with Certificates of Achievement from ICA. 2nd and 3rd Place honorable mentions will also be selected and given Certificates.
CRAFT/ CULINARY FAIR:
A three (3) day Craft/Culinary will be held at House of Culture /Government House, Belize City from the 26thto the 28th May commencing at 10:00am to 4:00pm. Various Crafts will be on displayed from reputable partners in craft designs alongside established art organizations and participating schools. Invitations will be sent out to several youth orchestras and bands to participate in the fair by providing vivacious musical entertainment as a form of showcasing their aptitude and efficiency. These musical performances will include choreographed performances by participating school bands, local bands and steel pans. So far, an invitation has been delivered to the bands of Corozal Community College, San Pedro High School and Ecumenical High School. Certainly, the air will be filled with all genre of music; having no exception.
The culinary section of this years’ National Festival of Arts is geared towards a preparation of cultural cuisine, from local food to gourmet displays. These will be schedule to be on sale throughout the day. Sale booths will be provided so as to provide lunch for the school children and the public. Undoubtedly, cultural foods will be very prominent in this culinary fair but we do encourage the presentation of an assortment of gourmet cuisine. Our target will also lie towards the working population where working members can come and have lunch and enjoy not only the food but an hour of live Belizean music by our local talents.
CLOSING GALA
On May 29th to culminate the finale of the National Festival of Arts, a grand Block Party will be held with tantalizing steel bands music, food stalls and other cultural attractions. This will be done in the Bliss Centre parking lot. An afternoon matinee show OZZY & FRIENDS in CONCERT will be held as a part of the closing festivities on Saturday 29th May 2010. Belizean clown “Ozzie” along with a Mexican clown “Chispin” will present a stage show filled with magic, pantomime-comedy and sing-a-long fun for the entire family. The block party and matinee will pull together this celebration of the musical senses and visual arts attraction in its full regalia and flamboyance.
