THE CDF HAS BEEN DEEPLY HEARTENED BY THE OVERWHELMING PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THIS YEAR'S PROGRAMME

The final curtain came down on Saturday, May 16, bringing the 2026 edition of Art and the City to its official close. Yet even as the lights dimmed on weeks of artistic celebration, the resonance of the season continues to linger across Saint Lucia’s artistic milieu. Widely heralded as one of the most compelling and expansive seasons of the arts in recent national memory, the arts component of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has, in many respects, come into its own, unfolding with a newfound confidence that signals its full artistic maturity.

The Cultural Development Foundation has been deeply heartened by the overwhelming public response to this year’s programme. Honourable Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, publicly expressed his satisfaction with the festival’s artistic offering, noting, “The arts component was really good this year. Personally, I believe it was probably the best we have had in terms of the organisation and the diversity of experiences and expressions that one would have witnessed.”

From the outset, the 2026 iteration embraced an ambitious range of artistic expression, spanning theatre, fine art, sculpture, film, music, craft, spoken word poetry, dance, culinary artistry and elements of fashion. Within a single week, audiences experienced the unprecedented staging of three major theatrical productions: Don’t Call Me Baby Doll by Dr. Travis Weekes, Ten to One – The Mighty Sparrow Musical by Canboulay Productions of Trinidad and Tobago, and Triptych by Kendel Hippolyte, most of which played to sold-out or near-capacity audiences.

The decision to launch the arts programme on April 17, weeks ahead of the festival’s mainstage jazz events, proved rewarding, encouraging stronger public participation and sustained engagement. Equally well received was the continued decentralisation of Art and the City, with communities such as Vieux Fort and Anse La Raye embracing stella performances in newly established cultural venues. Meanwhile, the Republic Bank Artscape Pop-up Concert series carried the arts into unexpected spaces across the city centre, and extending as far north as the Rodney Bay Marina.

For many patrons, however, the véritable pièce de résistance was the Icon Gala Dinner held in tribute to pioneering Saint Lucian chef Edward “Chef Harry” Joseph. Hosted on April 24 and 25 at Sandals Grande, the sold-out soirée featured a five-course culinary experience prepared by internationally acclaimed Saint Lucian chefs, accompanied by live performances from a sixteen-piece ensemble and interpretive dance. The floral couture dress code, inspired by Chef Harry’s distinctive flair, lent the evening an unmistakable savoir-faire, transforming the gala into a vibrant celebration of cuisine, music and style.

The festival also maintained a strong educational and developmental focus through an engaging edutainment tour of schools and corporate institutions, where audiences were introduced to the legacy and contributions of the festival’s honoured Icon. Members of the Canboulay Productions team facilitated stage management workshops with local practitioners, while acclaimed reggae poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, the headliner of Voices of the Underground, engaged students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and secondary schools in enriching literary discussions and performances. He also participated in an edifying conversation alongside seasoned writers and poets, offering thoughtful reflections on language, identity and the enduring power of the spoken word.

The extraordinary response to Art and the City 2026 confirms that there remains within Saint Lucia a profound appetite for meaningful and high-quality artistic experiences. The Cultural Development Foundation remains committed to creating opportunities for Saint Lucian creatives to refine their craft, expand their reach and sustain the creative momentum ignited throughout this remarkable season of the arts.

The Foundation extends sincere gratitude to all partners, sponsors and supporters, with special acknowledgement of Republic Bank as principal sponsor for a third consecutive year. Executive Director Mrs. Henry-Wynne also thanked the French Embassy in Saint Lucia for its collaboration on the Republic Bank Artscape Pop-up Concert, noting emphatically, “we believe cultural cooperation is very important.”

In many respects, Art and the City 2026 affirmed its own defining ethos: Rooted in Culture. Bold in Expression. A celebration not only of artistic excellence, but of the identity, imagination and creative spirit of a people.

 

About the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF):

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is dedicated to aligning the aspirations of cultural and creative individuals, groups, communities, policymakers, and civil society towards a collective vision for growth, documentation and preservation. Guided by the National Cultural Policy of Saint Lucia, CDF celebrates cultural heritage, nurtures artistic expression, and fosters innovation across all forms of creative endeavour. Through initiatives like the annual flower festivals, CDF ensures that Saint Lucia’s identity continues to flourish locally and on the world stage.

-ENDS-