Person interested in entering the 2016 Jamaica Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition, organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, now have until Friday, January 29 to submit their completed entry forms and artwork.

According to Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the JCDC, Stephen Davidson, “We have extended the entry deadline with the hope that talented visual artistes who were previously unable to enter the competition will make use of this opportunity”. He continued “Entrants in the Jamaica Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition not only vie for attractive prizes including trophies, cash awards, exhibition and training opportunities but also art supplies and equipment so that they may continue to hone their craft.”

The JCDC Jamaica Visual Arts Competition is open to youths 6-18 years old and adults 19 years old and over, who are Jamaican citizens or have been residing in Jamaica for a period of not less than two years at the closing date for entries. The competition welcomes entries in various categories including ceramics, painting, fibre arts, photography, sculpture/assemblage, video art and works on paper.

Entry forms, rules and other details are available online at www.jcdc.gov.jm , at the JCDC Head Office, 3-5 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10 and all JCDC parish offices island-wide. Entries from Kingston & St. Andrew should be submitted to Shop 25, Kingston Mall, Orange Street, Kingston, Mondays to Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Entries from all other parishes should be taken to the respective JCDC parish offices.

The Jamaica Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition, organized by the JCDC since 1963 has been unearthing, developing and showcasing the creative talents of Jamaicans from all walks of life, giving them a platform for expression and contribution to the development of the local art industry. Some of the noted and respected talents who have participated in the competition include Osmond Watson, Dr. David Boxer, Colin Garland, George Rodney, Christopher Gonzalez, Cecil Cooper, Alexander Cooper, Norma Rodney Harrack, Fitz Harack, Maria la Yacona, Howard Moo Young, Donnette Zacca, Errol Harvey, Owen Minott and Dr. Warren Robinson.