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‘Art for Life’ Impacting Young Lives

By: , February 5, 2016

The Key Point:

Friday, February 5, 2016 - Art for Life, a programme that has been conceptualized and implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, has over the years provided an avenue for children in state care to express themselves through the creative arts- dance, dub poetry, music, drama and art.

The Facts

  • The Art for Life Programme is a comprehensive visual and performing arts initiative that was first introduced to female juveniles at the South Camp Road Correctional Facility...
  • She went on to explain that many may eventually choose the performing arts as a career path.

The Full Story

Friday, February 5, 2016 – Art for Life, a programme that has been conceptualized and implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, has over the years provided an avenue for children in state care to express themselves through the creative arts – dance, dub poetry, music, drama and art.

To date, dozens of girls from the South Camp Road Correctional Facility and children from the Maxfield Park Children’s Home have benefited from the programme. These institutions made ‘Art for Life’ a part of their curriculum. With this, many children are able to further develop their talents in the creative and performing arts while others are able to embark on a new experience, under the guidance of instructors from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, the National Dance Theatre Company and school teachers.

The Art for Life Programme is a comprehensive visual and performing arts initiative that was first introduced to female juveniles at the South Camp Road Correctional Facility and is aimed at providing wards of the state with an outlet for creative expression. Aspects of the programme also deals with therapy and personal development. This initiative is being supported financially by the CHASE Fund which has provided both facilities with a number of musical instruments and other equipment.

Participants in the programme are offered two one hour sessions per week in music, dance or drama while art activities are offered simultaneously during each session. Each year the facilities host a concert where the participants showcase the many pieces that they have learnt throughout the year.

“It is always an overwhelming feeling to see the children perform at their functions,” said the Honourable Lisa Hanna Minister of Youth and Culture. “As a Ministry we are expected to contribute to the holistic development of our nation’s children and youth. Through the Art for Life Programme, I have seen many of our children in state care become more confident as they perform various pieces of music, dance or drama”.

She went on to explain that many may eventually choose the performing arts as a career path.

“The top ten in demand jobs are no longer what we once knew and as a result many non-traditional jobs are being explored. This is especially true in areas of the creative and performing arts,” the Minister explained.

Last Updated: February 5, 2016

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