Youth Forum: The Other Art Forms Need Attention

Music has put Jamaica on the map, and open the way for people to understand our culture and invest in our country, but what would happen all the other art forms got the same attention, where would we be as a country known for creativity?

Today we discuss the other art forms and their reach if the equal amount of attention and investment is given to them. To help carry the discussion along we are joined by Dane Nelson, Photographer and Videographer, Gemmar Mcfarlane, Filmmaker, Musician and Jhe’vonte Webster, Chairman, UWI Mona Guild Cultural and Entertainment Affairs.

Popular stage actor Glen “Titus” Campbell is calling for more attention and greater investment to be made in the local theatre scene, just as with other areas of the arts and entertainment.

Campbell, who was a guest on the interview programme Odyssey with Yendi, Untold Journeys, hosted by Yendi Phillipps on her YouTube channel, said despite the successes of Jamaican theatre practitioners at home and abroad, the sector still fails to attract the desired attention.

“People come to see our plays and say, ‘How do you guys do it?’. With the little resources, little space and everything, this is First World. It’s bad that we have to keep comparing and saying it all the time but it is the truth. With what we have in Jamaica if we had the same skill set and drop us in New York or West End… dem couldn’t hol’ we,” Campbell told Phillipps.

Talking points includes: 

• What other art forms need investments?
• Who would benefit? Creative businesses, personnel
• Where would we be if similar investments were offered to other art forms that is offer to music?
• Viability of living off your craft in Jamaica