Kingston Creative joined forces with Red Stripe Flavours, Main Event, Catherine’s Peak and Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) for their monthly art walk festival, themed “The Last Fete of the Season: Carnival Edition”. Helping promote Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage at the event, over 40 artisans showcased their talents and creations to help create awareness around their small to medium-sized businesses. 

For Thaida Masters, small business owner of Sweet A Dsignz, entrepreneurs are grateful for initiative like the art walk festival, which provide artisans with a platform to showcase their talents to the public

“It is great to see so many talents come together. I always look forward to the art walk festivities because it allows me to showcase my art and also be a part of the culture,” she began.

“I created my online business four years ago, influenced by my passion for art and design. With products like handmade keychains, domino pieces, bookmarkers, posters, Christmas ornaments, and customizable items like printed cups and tumblers, Sweet A D’signz caters to a wide array of gifting needs, making it perfect for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. So, I’m always eager to participate in creative events like these to showcase my work and talent,” added Masters. 

This monthly art walk featured over 40 artisans, offering a diverse range of handcrafted Jamaican products, from art and books to fashion and jewellery. The event also featured vendors selling delectable Jamaican cuisine, such as patties, chicken soup, and fried fritters.

There were also notable mentions of the talents of local performers like Viridian the Creative and Rica G, alongside captivating steel orchestra performances and high-energy dance by the Denham Town Dance Academy. Attendees also had the opportunity to channel their creativity in paint and sip sessions, sponsored by Red Stripe Flavours, while enjoying the refreshing beverages.

Sharing the same sentiment, Nadine Thompson, owner of Naddzz Dezigns, expressed, “These monthly art walks are more than just events. They are a testament to the power of unity and community. Each month, they bring together a diverse array of artistry, shining a spotlight on a space that is often overlooked. These events not only give us small business owners a platform to grow, but they also foster a sense of belonging and support. I believe in the strength of unity, and when we come together and support each other, we all thrive in our respective endeavours.” 

Nadine discovered her love for crochet at ten and turned it into a business during the pandemic. The online store picked up momentum quickly, and she expanded her offerings to include custom pieces, swimwear and bags. Today, Nadine offers a variety of handmade crochet items such as handbags, earrings, key chains, bed slippers, scrunchies, and swimwear.

“It is important to support small businesses because it helps promote a diversified job market, which impacts the country’s overall economic growth. Events like this that focus on the Cultural and Creative Industries are great for entrepreneurs who have the talent and also want to see growth in their businesses. I believe the environment we foster at Kingston Creative offers a space of inspiration, community and great networking opportunities, which are key assets for growing small businesses,” shared Kingston Creative executive director Andrea Dempster Chung.

Kingston Creative has an exciting lineup of events planned for May’s art walk, which will focus on both film and digital art. This will provide a platform to showcase the innovative works of filmmakers, digital artists, content creators, and gamers alike.

“This event hosted by Kingston Creative is the first staging of many that Red Stripe Flavours will be participating in, for we are always looking forward to promoting and supporting young artisans and creatives in their growth. After all, these artisans are helping to build our heritage, allowing culture to live on, and we want to ensure we support their journey,” affirmed brand manager of Red Stripe Flavours, Jodi-Ann Campbell.