Kingston Creative, in partnership with Red Stripe Flavours, Main Events, F&B Downtown and the KSAMC on Sunday, March 31, hosted the ArtWalk Festival with a focus on the art of literature and storytelling.

The highlight of the day was a tour that included a preview of the JCDC Visual Arts Exhibition at the Jamaica Conference Centre, an iconic building designed by revered architect, Patrick Stanigar.

Guests were taken on a free walking tour and permitted to view the exhibition of 94 art pieces before the show officially opened to the wider public.

This was the first ArtWalk since the launch of the new Water Lane murals in the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) funded, “Paint The City” project, with the public being invited to view the new artwork from King Street to Orange Street.

There was much anticipation for the exciting performance by musical lyricist Runkus, a talented artist who has worked with Chronixx, Tarrus Riley, and Ky-Mani Marley, to name a few.

Rolling Stone celebrated his album OUT: SIDE as one of the top 100 albums of 2022. There was also a musical performance by reggae artiste Iya Tear from Trench Town, and an open mic session with a cash prize of J$10,000 to the winner.

Writers and storytellers were out in full force, including veteran writers like Kwame McPherson, winner of the 2023 Commonwealth Prize for Literature. He read excerpts from his latest book, My date with depression: From mental uncertainty to self-fulfillment.

There was also a book reading from senior journalist Earl Moxam, who has been in the Jamaican media industry for over 30 years, and who delves into significant periods in Jamaican history from his new book Vantage Point Jamaica.

Guests also enjoyed the ancient art of traditional Jamaican storytelling through speech and song with storytellers, Deanne Logan Johnson and Renardo Lewis, and music by DJ Fenix and 8 Mile Sound.

“Literature is typically seen as outdated in a world moving further and further from books and reading” shared ArtWalk manager Errol Keane, who explained further: “Kingston Creative wants to highlight the importance of literacy and how words are the connective tissue for so many artistic forms, from poetry and storytelling to filmmaking, music and songwriting.”

Red Stripe Flavours Paint and Sip sessions

There were free Red Stripe Flavours Paint and Sip sessions, a Round Robin Domino tournament hosted by the Domino Association of Jamaica, the Open Mic session and dozens of artisans on Church Street to shop.

Guests were invited to shop for handmade gifts by Unique Inspirations, accessories by Tami Resin & Beauty, and food and drink from Karen’s Kitchen, Asili, and Shanz Streetvybz Cafe.

Red Stripe Flavours brand manager, Jodi-Ann Campbell, shared: “The Kingston Creative ArtWalk Festival continues to showcase the various flavors of creativity and the essence of Jamaican storytelling with the fusion of literature, storytelling, and visual arts.

“This staging highlights the power of words as the thread that connects diverse artistic expressions. We’re happy to add the additional layer of excitement and look forward to a successful execution.”