The 2025 edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival has been widely praised as a triumph—drawing thousands to its musical events, visual showcases, and cultural performances across the island. Among the most celebrated elements was Art and the City, the arts component of the festival, produced by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF). In its third year under this brand, the CDF once again delivered a rich and diverse programme that highlighted Saint Lucia’s creative excellence and nurtured emerging talent. 

From the very first event to the final crescendo, audiences responded with glowing reviews. The La Bèl Kwéyòl Icon Gala opened the festival on May 1st with grandeur. Hundreds of attendees exceeded expectations with their commitment to traditional folk fashion, turning the gala into a moving tribute to cultural icon Teresa Hall. Performances brought Hall’s legacy to life through a dynamic blend of folk music, dance, and folklore. In the weeks prior, corporate entities and schools also embraced an “edutainment” skit developed by CDF’s Training Department, helping sensitise the public to the icon’s achievements. 

The Life in Colour visual art exhibition, hosted at La Place Carenage from May 2nd, drew steady foot traffic from tourists, students, and local professionals alike. On display were captivating pieces in fine art, sculpture, and photography—all reflecting the vision and vitality of Saint Lucian creators. Additional activities such as a Sit and Paint session and a spirited panel discussion on AI’s influence on the arts helped turn the space into more than an exhibition—it became a creative hub. 

Poetry lovers found their oasis in Voices of the Underground, staged at the reimagined National Cultural Centre on May 5th. The eloquence and power of young spoken word artists like Shyne, Donaton and Kadija resonated deeply with audiences. One of the evening’s most memorable moments came with the return of Saint Lucia’s spoken word elder, George “Fish” Alphonse, whose performance was hailed by many as a career highlight. Jamaican headliner Staceyann Chin, as anticipated, was both hilarious and provocative, commanding attention with her bold presence and unfiltered verse. 

Meanwhile, on the Rodney Bay strip, Ti Tak Sent Lisi created a lively two-day craft market scene that pulsed with creativity and commerce. More than thirty vendors showcased handmade, authentic Saint Lucian products, drawing brisk sales and enthusiastic support. One vendor sold out entirely on day one and had to restock overnight. Folk music, soca rhythms, solo acts, and street fashion displays ensured the market buzzed with energy from start to finish. 

From Wednesday to Friday, Jazz and Arts on the Square transformed Derek Walcott Square into a space of free, open celebration of the arts. The event not only offered world-class musical performances, but also served as a platform for showcasing the outcomes of CDF's creative training initiatives. 

Wednesday’s Caliente–Latin Beats infused the Square with Latin flair. A captivating mass movement performance by over 120 dancers, choreographed by UK-based Jeanefer Jean-Charles, set the tone for the day. SalsaKiz brought infectious energy with their dynamic Latin dance routines, while Barbara Cadet and Friends delivered appealing Caribbean jazz with a few Latin numbers in the set. Venezuelan band 4TOKaracas closed with smooth, soulful Latin jazz and kindly hosted a music workshop for students of the Bishop Charles Gachet RC Primary School in Marchand the following day. 

Thursday’s Folk Fusion celebrated traditional rhythms and dance with performances from Pantastic Muzik, Genesis with African djembe drumming, and the RC Boys Drummers on simple but effective buckets. Students from a CDF-led workshop with Piaye dancers showcased their Bèlè moves, while the Helen Folk Dancers performed elegant quadrille dances to the accompaniment of a multigenerational folk ensemble. The evening ended with soulful sets from Ronald “Boo” Hinkson and Augustin “Jab” Duplessis, who both performed selections from their folk-inspired albums. 

The final day, Nostalgic Friday, offered a vibrant blend of theatre, jazz-infused reggae, and golden-age Saint Lucian hits for a truly memorable finale. The day began with comedic sketches by participants of the Comedy Shack workshop, followed by Dramacan’s engaging improv theatre. The mellow grooves of Ecuadorian band Jazz the Roots had audiences swaying, capping off a week in which the group also led musical workshops with local students. A special highlight was the triumphant return of steelpan giants Diamond Steel Orchestra, who delivered their first public performance in years, facilitated by the CDF. The crowd erupted with joy when Semi Francis and TC Brown of beloved 1990s band October 4 hit the stage. As night approached, Piper and the Festival Band launched a full-fledged throwback party, with every song stirring jubilant singalongs. It was a celebration steeped in memory and euphoria—nostalgia at its most potent. 

The CDF extends sincere thanks to the artistic community, our loyal sponsors—including platinum sponsor Republic Bank for a second consecutive year—and the public for their unwavering support. As Art and the City programme continues to grow in impact, CDF remains committed to deepening cultural engagement and amplifying creative voices in every Saint Lucian community. 

For more information, contact the Cultural Development Foundation at www.cdfstlucia.org.