Entries for JCDC 2023 Performing Arts Competitions Close on Friday

Entries for the 2023 cycle of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Performing Arts Competitions which covers the areas of Dance, Deaf Dance, Drama, Music, Traditional Folk Forms and Speech will close on Friday, January 20, 2023.  

Students from William Knibb Memorial High School in Trelawny perform ‘Gerreh’ at the National Finals of the 2022 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Traditional Folk Forms Festival that was held at the Little Theatre in Kingston.

Mrs. Marjorie Leyden-Kirton, Acting Executive Director at the JCDC, notes that there is widespread anticipation for this year’s competitions as they will return to full face- to-face engagement for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  She said, “Entries have been rolling in for the Performing Arts Competitions that opened recently and I expect to see even more entries coming in as we approach the closing date. The free Brush Up Workshops that are currently underway in all parishes are intended to provide guidance to persons who are interested in entering the competitions, but require constructive feedback to improve the quality of their entries.”

Taquane Bowen from Blazing Genesis in St. Catherine performs ”I Love You Higher” at the National Finals of the 2022 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Music Festival held at the Little Theatre in Kingston.Students from Green Island High School in Hanover perform “Stop Gender Based Violence” at the National Finals of 2022 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Drama Festival that was held at the Little Theatre in Kingston.Marjorie Leyden-Kirton. Acting Executive Director at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC)

She made a special appeal for adults from community and religious groups to enter the competitions and attend the workshops. “Over the years, we have enjoyed the vibrant participation from schools and educational institutions; however, the competitions are also open to adults from community and religious groups, whether they are aspirants, semiprofessionals or professionals, there is always room for growth and development.”