Enter Speech and Literary Arts competition - JCDC

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) encouraged persons to explore and share their talent in speech and literary arts by entering its annual competition.

The JCDC stages an annual Festival of the Performing Arts Competition to unearth, develop and showcase the creative talents of Jamaicans.

Speech and Literary Arts Development Specialist Andrew Brodber said not many persons have challenged themselves where their talent is concerned, whether as writers or performers.

"What other platform is there where you can be who you truly are? Many persons have come through this system and have used the JCDC stage to launch their careers," he said.

Bodber highlighted Khi Miller, Professor Mervin Morris and members of Nomadz as persons who have benefitted from the training, exposure and recognition associated with the competition.

"This competition is unique to the region and the world ... we have something of this nature that forms part of our annual independence celebrations," Bodber outlined.

In preparation for this year's competition, a series of creative-arts workshops were hosted in December. Five areas of literary arts were presented to potential participants - novel, short stories, plays, short stories and essays.

The Speech and Literary Arts Competition is open to individuals, schools, community and church groups, youth, social and performing-arts clubs.

Bodber said whereas persons are, generally, free to enter and theme, there are special themes, which are sponsored, and will reward winners with special prizes.

Entry forms are available online at the JCDC website, www.jcdc.gov.jm at the JCDC head office, 3-5 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10, and JCDC parish offices islandwide.