JaSAFA building bridges with art
THE recently relaunched Jamaica South Africa Friendship Association (JaSAFA) is set to host its inaugural high school art competition at its headquarters in Kingston on March 20 as a means of deepening awareness between the two cultures.
The association, which is helmed by President Dennis Wright, has extended invitations to secondary-level students across the island.
“People come together through art,” he quipped. The organisation has paired the art competition with Africa Connect – a gathering, which Wright states, is aimed at highlighting and celebrating Jamaica-Africa exchange. The competition is assigned the theme ‘Building Bridges’ and was inspired by an interschool event.
“I went to a competition at my daughter’s school (St Andrew High) and was impressed and moved to start a national competition,” said Wright.
The newly installed JaSAFA president explained that children often have no outlet to balance the demands of academic studies. Wright pointed out that art is a valid and important avenue for children to express themselves. “We see children doodling all the time to take a break from hardcore studies,” he added.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday, March 16. Pieces are accepted in the following categories: drawing, painting, sculpting, and ceramics. The artworks will be displayed at JaSAFA’s Haining Road premises four days later during Africa Connect marketplace. The winner snags $25,000 and a trophy, while second place cops $15,000 with a plaque, and third place takes home $10,000 along with a certificate.
Wright expressed gratitude to his team at JaSAFA as well as iCool, which has pitched in to keep the youngsters hydrated. The Africa Connect Art Competition has also been green-lighted by town clerk, Robert H P Hill, and Mayor Angela Brown Burke.