Celebrating Jamaican Creativity: Highlights from the JCDC Visual Arts Spotlight
- Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Jamaica’s creative spirit was on full display during this month’s Culture Corner Live Forum, where Jamaican creativity took centre stage. From celebrating our Black identity to creating new pathways for youth expression, this forum was packed with inspiration, insight, and opportunity.
If you missed the live stream, don’t worry — we’ve got the full recap right here.
Why the JCDC Visual Arts Competition Matters
The JCDC Visual Arts Competition is a launchpad for Jamaican artists of all ages. As the largest and longest-running competition of its kind in the Caribbean, it continues to evolve, embracing everything from painting and sculpture to digital illustration, jewellery, and fibre arts.
Whether you’re a student with a sketchpad or a self-taught creator with coconut shells and clay, this competition opens doors and minds.
“Art Must Be a Catalyst” — Dushaine Loraine Speaks Truth
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from Dushaine Loraine, a 2024 medal-winning collage artist and teacher. His message was a call to cultural pride and a rejection of outdated beauty standards:
“Art must be a catalyst — not just for change, but for movement.”
Dushaine shared how art can:
Uplift Black aesthetics and heritage
Challenge Eurocentric beauty norms
Build self-expression and national pride in classrooms across Jamaica
Help students see themselves as powerful, purposeful, and creative
Winston Campbell on Nurturing Young Creatives
Winston Campbell expanded the conversation, highlighting the importance of visual learning in today’s digital world. From TikTok to textiles, he explained how visual art gives youth an outlet for:
Emotional release
Cultural storytelling
Future career development
He also reminded us that not all learning happens in books; some of our best creatives are learning from their community, their families, and their hands.
Mixing Art, Music & Movement — A New Era of Expression
One exciting proposal from the live audience: Allowing artists to present their visual pieces with a soundtrack of their choice, and a 1–2 minute explanation of their work.
Winston Campbell shared examples, like a ceramic artist who paired a sculpture on violence with a classic dancehall track, creating an emotional impact that words alone couldn’t deliver.
The message? Jamaican art is already multimedia, and that should be embraced.
How Communities Can Support Youth Creativity in Jamaica
Support doesn’t always require big bucks — sometimes it’s as simple as showing up, sharing a post, or saying, “Mi love yuh work.”
Here are 5 ways to support Jamaican creatives right now:
Encourage – Offer kind words and motivation
Remind – Share competition deadlines or art events
Sponsor – Even $500 can help buy paint or brushes
Share – Post artwork to your social media or WhatsApp groups
Purchase or Gift – Invest in artwork for your home or as a present
Jamaican Art (Creativity) in 2030: What the Future Holds
Winston Campbell shared a bold vision: mural districts, sculpture parks, fibre art installations, and even digital art in public spaces.
He highlighted the rise of creative hubs like the Art District and new galleries popping up across the island, stating that Jamaica is poised for an artistic renaissance that’s grounded in both culture and opportunity.
"We need to shift the mindset — art is not a hobby; it’s an economy."
Words of Wisdom for Emerging Artists
Dushaine Loraine’s advice for young creatives is worth printing out and putting on your wall:
Keep creating — every piece teaches you something new
Accept feedback — positive or negative, it helps you grow
Master the fundamentals — colour theory, composition, rhythm, balance
Be a student of the craft — learn the visual language of your passion
“Work. Work. Work. It sounds repetitive, but that’s what art is. You get better at it over time.”
Ready to Enter the JCDC Visual Arts Competition?
Here’s what you need to prepare before June 2025:
📸 Photograph your artworks clearly
🖊️ Assign meaningful titles
📧 Ensure your email is active
🖥️ Submit online at jcdc.awardsplatform.com or visit jcdc.gov.jm
Need help? Email the JCDC Visual Arts team: visarts@jcdc.gov.jm
Watch the Replay & Share the Inspiration
📺 Don’t miss a moment — Watch the full Culture Corner replay on YouTube
Help spread the word to your youth group, school, community space, or WhatsApp contacts overseas. You never know who might need this encouragement.
Let’s continue to uplift Jamaican creativity by supporting our artists, sharing their stories, and participating in national platforms like the JCDC Visual Arts Competition.
Brought to you by Serenity Resource Connector, in partnership with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
Stay connected, share widely, and let’s continue celebrating Jamaican creativity together.
Opmerkingen