‘First of its kind’ visual arts career fair, exhibition gets underway

Studying art allows for viable career options and to showcase the work done by students and teachers in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Unit and provide guidance to aspiring artists, the Ministry of Education is hosting a National Visual Arts Career Fair and Exhibition.

The event which is the first of its kind is being held on the lawns of the National Art Gallery, Castellani House under the theme: ‘Art in Entrepreneurship.’

Over the next several days, the work of students from 20 different schools across the country will be exhibited.

Students will also be allowed to connect with businesses and organisations that represent the various areas of visual art to collaboration and be provided with insight that could launch their careers.

On display will be wide range traditional paintings and sculptures, digital art, fabric and graphic design, which reflects the evolving nature of the visual arts field.

Delivering remarks at an opening ceremony held on Friday, Assistant Chief Education Officer Marcia Andrews said the art works on display possess the power to convey profound messages without the need for words.

According to Andrews, the career fair and exhibition is a testimony to the unwavering dedication and hard work of the TVET unit.

“The recognition given to visual arts today aims to highlight that art is not just a past time but a viable career option, going beyond the mere application of colours on a canvas,” Andrews said.

She added, “May this visual arts career exhibition act as a catalyst initiating a sustained interest and growth in the field of art”.

Exhibitors include young and veteran persons from the art field, whose aim is to raise awareness on the impact of choosing a profession within the field and to encourage wider involvement.

“I am hoping to show people that art is more than just drawing and painting…You can use it as a form of expression  to unleash your emotions, comment on things in society and relief your stress and let our your inner feelings,” young artist, Roberto Teekah told the News Room.

While, Robert Cummings, an instructor at the Burrowes School of Art said “we hope that people, particularly students would view the exhibition and be inspired to get involved at some level in the arts”.

Before the event was officially opened, a number of students who performed outstanding in Visual Arts at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination were recognised and awarded.