As we approach the festive season, which comes with the usual fireworks, food

and parties, I have been reflecting

on what the world would be like without the arts. Imagine living without music, poetry, books, painting, photographs, and the list goes on.

I cannot imagine my life without art and I dare say you can’t either. I, therefore urge all of you to reflect on the importance of the arts to society and consider what role you play or will play in ensuring that arts are kept alive in our nation. The EMCVPA takes pride in remaining at the forefront of nurturing the arts in the Caribbean through our varied programmes.

Despite this pride of place, however, we have our challenges. In a fledgling economy, it has become more difficult for students to pay fees, parents are still discouraging children from pursuing a career in the arts and public and private

sector support is minimal. In spite of these challenges, however, we continue to produce excellent graduates who are prepared for the world stage. So as you enjoy the festive season and enjoy all the art in life, please remember to consciously support the arts and continue to support the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

Do enjoy our November/December issue as we celebrate the Rex Nettleford Arts Conference and Graduation as well.

Happy Holidays from all of us at EMCVPA

One loveColeen Douglas

Marketing/Public Relations Manager, EMCVPA

EDITORIAL

Photograph by Mark Samuels

The Arts Management programme at the Edna Manley College of the Visual

and Performing Arts provides students with opportunities to engage in practical training as they learn the theoretical structures supporting this area of study. As part of the BA in Arts Management

at the EMCVPA students are given the opportunity to manage a student run, faculty supervised Arts Management company - “1 Creative Yaad”.

According to Simone Harris, Lecturer in the School of Arts Management and Humanities who conceptualized 1 Creative Yaad, “the students love it…this is the going to become the heartbeat of the Arts Management programme! They get a chance to work closely with industry professionals, expand their network, engage in practical training, seminars, demonstrations, and take on clients which helps them to develop the skills to succeed in today’s complex arts environment”.

1 Creative Yaad began in January 2013 and has worked on a number of projects to date, including the “Arts in the Park” music series,

organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, The Philip Sherlock Centre’s 5th annual Dance Umbrella Festival and Danceworks’ 2013 season of dance.

The aim is to equip students with additional training and enhanced practical experience in areas such as media and event production, marketing, and project management. This will provide them with a competitive advantage at the end of their programme.

The 1 Creative Yaad team selects a specific number of projects (on and off campus) each school year and meet once per week to organize and execute plans. The team works with their clients to research, plan, analyse, and execute strategies that will ensure the effective outcome of the project (regardless of budget).

1 Creative Yaad

From the Principal’s Desk

Four weeks ago Saturday, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts,

in another grand production congratulated 95 visual and performing artists(es) who had set personal goals, achieved them and were now on their way to sharing their enormous talent beyond the studios of the EMCVPA.

While preparing for this graduation in particular, I reflected on my own graduation from the Jamaica School of Dance, Cultural Training Centre in 1987 and on how so many things have remained the same and how some have changed.

Throughout the years and evolution of the institution, the talent, impact and pride of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing

Arts graduate has been unwavering. Whether we have good or bad memories, the endurance of an education that is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding creates a strong sense of identity, cultural sensibility and pride. Also unwavering is the EMCVPA graduate’s sense of service to humanity, community and the institution. We do believe that our art can heal, communicate, educate, change, serve and, yes entertain, like no other profession can. And so our graduates are in schools, community and church-based and non-profit organisations, health service institutions, government and developmental agencies and whereever else their impact can be felt. Our graduates are also here with us at the EMCVPA as senior administrators, faculty, staff and

active alumni and for this, I wish to thank and congratulate them for their continued service to the College community.

One of the major developments in the College community, and even more so recently, is the College’s active involvement and participation in inter-collegiate sports. This is a major achievement and milestone for the College as the involvement of our students in inter-collegiate sports enhances our mission and vision to nurture well-rounded students and graduates. It also represents an undertaking by students, whose work, by the nature of their art, is already physically-demanding and time-consuming, to continue to serve and represent the College at a semi-professional level. A big thank you to the members of the football and netball teams, and especially to the basketball team, who came second in their league for the 2012-2013 season. Thank you too, to the Student Services Department, which has really rallied and developed our sportsmen and women.

As we continue to develop the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, on behalf of the College administration and our clients, the students, thank you for your continued service to the institution. If you wish to reach me to share in how you may help to expand the College’s mission or vision in any way, please email me at principal@emc.edu.jm or call 876-920-4051.

Sincerely,Nicholeen DeGrasse-Johnson ,

Principal, EMCVPA

GRADUATION 2013 INSPIRESFrom inspiring to soul stirring performances.

From heart wrenching tearjerkers to a foot stomping guest speaker …

EMCVPA Graduation 2013 was a world class production and our graduates were sent off in fabulous EMCVPA style….Tertiary Education Commissioner, Maxine Henry Wilson, expressed it in superlatives “a most enjoyable evening showcasing the incredible talent of our students while satisfying the requirements of the graduation ceremony. It transmitted the growth and development that has taken place in the institution and its effective positioning as a first class performing and visual arts college.” Enjoy some images of our recent graduation.

(a) Unritung of Spring, (excerpt 1) Choreography by Oniel Pryce, School of Dance students, (b) Guest Speaker Johnnetta B. Cole, PhD, (c) Valedictorian 2013, Marcia Jeffers, and Chairman, Mr. Paul Issa (d),(e) and (g) Students of EMCVPA, during Graduation production, (f) Mrs. Nicholeen DeGrasse-Johnson, Principal , (h) Mother of Valedictorian waves St. Kitts and Nevis flag ecstatically (i) Graduates of 2013 . Photography by Yannick Reid

a

d e

f g h

i

b c

Mark Samuels graduated from the EMCVPA, School of Visual Arts in 2011 with a major in Painting. He has always had an interest in Indian culture and uses the art to pay tribute to his friend that he lost tragically in 2011. He used henna as a motif on a

piece of ply and the rest is history. He has been using henna to decorate candles and bodies since. Henna is, actually, a plant that grows in hot, dry climates. The leaves of the plant produce a natural dye which can be derived by drying out the leaves and

grounding them into a powder. The powder is used to make the paste which is applied to the skin. Henna is not a tattoo, it is temporary and fades after a week.Henna design and photography by Mark Samuels Head Model Coleen Douglas

Henna Thrends with alumni Mark Samuelsthe Vine

..All the world’s stage and all men and women merely

players….

The second staging of Desdemona at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre was highly appreciated by students of Campion College, St. Andrew High, Herbert Morrison Technical High, Merl Grove High and Tarrant High School who were invited based on the fact that they are currently studying Shakespeare’s Othello for Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination.

Directed by member of faculty Dr. Kelli Melson, Paula Vogel’s play Desdemona: A Play About A Handkerchief, presented a post-modern, renaissance flavoured feminist deconstruction of

Shakespeare’s classic tragedy- Othello, the Moor of Venice. It was also very satisfying for the adult patrons who commented on how well the students captured the flavor of seventeen century Cyprus. The Gleaner also celebrated the players in the play ,“Melson directed her young cast well. Her willingness to use the levels provided by Ron Seger’s thought-provoking set was great. Lee held her audience captive as she portrayed the innocence, playfulness and fear of Desdemona. She was consistent in every aspect of her characterization. So, too, it was for Simms, who played the feisty, frank and street-smart Bianca.”

Certainly, the quality of production is a testimony to the world class training the School of Drama offers.

GREAT REVIEWS FOR SCHOOL OF DRAMA’S DESDEMONA

e

h

i

c

Rex Nettleford Arts Conference 2013The second staging of the Rex Nettleford Arts Conference was a blast! Just in case you missed see please enjoy our spread.

(a), (d) and (h) Opening Ceremony performances from students and staff from the Schools of Dance and Music, ( c ) Mrs. Nicholeen DeGrasse-Johnson, Principal at Opening Ceremony, (b) Carol Hamilton, VP, Academics and Technical Studie and Conference Co Chair at Opening Ceremony. (e)The Closing Ceremony, Joanna Simpson, L’Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force, (f) Dr. The Honourable Peter Philips, M.P., keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony poses with Coleen Douglas, Marketing Manager of EMCVPA,

a

f g

k

b c

d e

h i j

l m(g) Shem Heliodore, student at School of Dance does fire dance, (l) Neila Ebanks, Lecturer at School of Dance, performs Duration Dance, (i)Dr. Kelli Melson, lecturer, School of Drama (j) Miss Amina Blackwood Meeks (k) Photo from session at the National Art Gallery, (m) Photo from session at Cag[e] Gallery, exhibiting “That Ship has Sailed”, Photography By Mark Samuels

The School of Dance swung open it’s doors on November 17, 2013 towelcome Compañia Periferia from Colombia with the kind support andendorsement of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) and theColombian Embassy. Chief coordinator of the company’s presence in Jamaica was Marlon Simms, Assistant Director of theSchool of Dance, who formed cultural and artistic ties with thecompany’s Artistic Director, Lobadys Perez, at the Caribbean CultureMarket held in Colombia in December 2012. The touring Company, which consisted of six dancers and one singer, conducted workshops, master classes and a

lecture demonstration which were open to the College and the wider artistic community. Their presence ended with the presentation of a master work “Eternity and a Day” choreographed by Perez. The work included School of Dance Director, Kerry-Ann Henry, faculty member Neisha-yen Jones, year two students from the School of Music, Michael Allen and Lauren Smith. Other works on the show were Tamara Thomas’ duet, “Critical Love” with School of Dance graduate Paul Newman and “Urban Fissure” choreographed for the NDTC by School of Dance alumni, Chris Walker.

Compañia Periferia in Jamaica

Choose lifeChoose the artsChoose EMCVPA

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Thursday, January 2, 2014

On Sale!

Mugs

EMCVPA T-shirts SPECIAL OFFER OF $1200

$900

JONKONNUARTSJOURNAL$2500

Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts2013 - 2014 Calendar of Events

2013 - 2014Calendar of EventsSeptember

Thursday, September 19, 2013School of Arts Management and Humanities: Writing Seminar [Week 1] Thursday, September 26, 2013School of Arts Management and Humanities: Writing Seminar [Week 2]

Friday, September 27, 2013School of Arts Management and Humanities: Drug Awareness Day

October

Tuesday, October 1, 2013SVA Student Exhibition

Wednesday, October 16 – Friday, October 18, 2013Rex Nettleford Arts Conference

Thursday, October 17, 2013Environment Day

Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 27, 2013 [Weekends Only]School of Drama: Drama Production - DOUBLE FEATURE: Crave (written by Sarah Kane) & God’s Door (written by Russell Watson)

Tuesday, October 29, 2013Student Services: Financial Aid Information Fair

November

Sunday, November 3, 2013School of Music: Faculty Recital

Wednesday, November 6, 2013School of Arts Management and Humanities: Education Lecture

Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 17, 2013 [Weekends Only]School of Drama: Drama Production - Desdemona: A Play About A Handkerchief (written by Paula Vogel)

Saturday, November 16, 2013Graduation Ceremony 2013

December

Sunday, December 1, 2013Carol Service

January

Friday, January 31, 2014School of Arts Management and Humanities: Janubond

February

Thursday, February 6, 2014Student’s Career Workshop

Thursday, February 13, 2014School of Arts Management and Humanities: Historical Exhibition

Thursday, February 20, 2014School of Dance: Colour MuseumStudent’s Career Fair

Friday, February 21, 2014Sports Day

February 11- March 9, 2014EMCVPA Celebrates Nelson Mandela

March

Tuesday, March 4, 2014School of Visual Arts: Faculty Exhibition (Opening Ceremony)

Thursday, March 6, 2014Textiles & Fibre Arts Department: Alternative Fashion Show

Friday, March 7, 2014Celebrating Research in the Arts

Sunday, March 9, 2014Thanksgiving Service

Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 23, 2014 [Weekends Only]School of Drama: Drama Production III

Thursday, March 20, 2014EMCVPA Open Day

April

Tuesday, April 1 – Sunday, April 6, 2014DanceWorks 2014

Thursday, April 3, 2014School of Arts Management and Humanities: Conundrum Quiz Competition

Friday, April 4 – Sunday, April 13, 2014School of Drama: Drama Production IV [Children’s Theatre Workshop]

Tuesday, April 8, 2014EMCVPA Choir in Concert

Thursday, April 10, 2014School of Music: Wind Ensemble Concert

Saturday, April 12, 2014School of Music: Honours RecitalSchool of Arts Management and Humanities: Fusion

Friday, April 25, 2014EMCVPA Wellness Fair

May

Thursday, May 1, 2014Spanish Day

Saturday, May 3, 2014Water The Roots (Concert)

Sunday, May 11 – Wednesday, May 21, 2014School of Music: Third and Final Years Concert Series

June

Saturday, June 7, 2014School of Visual Arts: Final Year Exhibition (Opening Ceremony)

Wednesday, June 11, 2014EMCVPA Corporate Evening

Weekly EventsSchool of Music: Lunch Hour Concert SeriesThursday’s @ 12:00 noon – 1:15 PM

SVA Film SeriesFriday’s @ 6:00 PM

The COLLEGIATE is a monthly newsletter published by the Marketing and PR Department of EMCVPA

Find EMCVPA on