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Opening Remarks at KingstOOn Animation Conference by Minister, the Hon. Anthony Hylton

June 25, 2013

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It is with a sense of anticipation that I am here this morning, and it is my distinct pleasure to be a part of this ground breaking event, and to be delivering the opening remarks. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that once this festival concludes we would have witnessed a display of talent and energy that demonstrates the possibilities that are before us to develop the creative economy.

Let me take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the organizing team that has worked to make KingstOOn a reality.

Let me also say that the staging of KingstOOn comes at a critical juncture in our economic development, at a time when the Government is making a sustained effort to elevate the creative industries from the periphery to the center-stage of our economic growth strategy, and job creation effort. It represents an important milestone in our journey and in the development of our creative economy.

‘KingstOOn: a 2-day Animation Conference and Film Festival’ is being organized by the Government of Jamaica in partnership with the World Bank, the Canadian High Commission and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). KingstOOn is sponsored and supported by FLOW, Development Bank of Jamaica, Jamaica National Building Society and The Gleaner Group. The event is also organized in collaboration with leading Jamaican universities and training programs (i.e. UTECH, UWI and Edna Manley).

This Animation Conference and Film Festival is designed to serve as a catalyst to the different efforts in developing the animation industry, and to attract the attention of international clients. KingstOOn will see the participation of global industry leaders, Jamaican animation companies and operators, potential investors both local and overseas, local and international education institutions specializing in animation and policy makers.

A number of global leading companies in animation have tentatively confirmed participation, including: ToonBoom, BentoBox, Nickelodeon. In addition, KingstOOn will also be attended by key colleges specializing in animation including the Sheridan College and Columbus College.

I must also mention ToonBoom Animation – which has been quite supportive of the growth of a Jamaican animation industry. They have done so through key partnerships with educational institutions (UTECH), studios (GSW, Alcyone) and with JAMPRO. It is with pride I note Joan Vogelesang’s – ToonBoom’s CEO – membership as part of Jamaica’s own Diaspora.

KingstOOn also wants to engage young Jamaicans and provide them with an opportunity to explore the animation industry as a quality professional development career. Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring the participation of youths enrolled in colleges and universities running visual arts programs as well as a number of high schools. In addition, KingstOOn also wants to engage young people who may be out of school but willing to participate in relevant skills development programs – especially in inner-city areas…READ MORE

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Last Updated: March 9, 2016

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