The 2017 National Arts Festival (NAF) was launched yesterday, March 23, at the conference room of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF).

The NAF provides an avenue for the showcasing of Saint Lucian art and culture on a national level, promoting the creative arts as an integral part of the economic and social fabric of Saint Lucian society. It is geared towards the celebration and development of Saint Lucia’s rich and abundant talent.

According to Celeste Burton, Director for Training, Promotion and Development, the CDF’s mandate hinges heavily on training artists in various disciplines and it is with this in mind that the CDF is proposing to use the National Arts Festival to identify the needs of artists in an effort to encourage growth and development of their craft and in turn, the industry.

Speaking at the launch, CDF Executive Director Melchoir Henry, highlighted that in an ever changing society, the CDF has established itself as an organization able to adapt and remain focused on its main mandate to assist in sourcing Saint Lucian talent and providing an avenue for creative expression.

Activities for the 2017 National Arts Festival include a weekend community festival in Micoud from April 21 - 23. The three-day event will encourage participation from communities in Micoud showcasing their creativity in all areas of the arts—visual, fine, literary and performance.

On Friday, April 28, Poetry Night Live features Saint Lucian poet Kendell Hippolyte. The event will be held on Cadet Street in Castries under the theme “Sounds of the Castries Underground.” The free event commences at 7 p.m.

On Theatre Night (April 29 and 30), a vibrant group of young actors will stage Katherine Atkinson’s play “Requiem for a Bad John” at the National Cultural Centre at 7 p.m. The entrance fee is $25.

Finally, as part of the annual Artist’s Market, artisans will display products for sale on the Rodney Bay Strip from May 11 – 14.