LITERARY AND VISUAL ARTS proved to be the most outstanding media in the 2011 National Independence Festival Of Creative Arts (NIFCA).
Artists Robert Sandiford and Cy Hutchinson took the coveted Governor General’s Award of Excellence for their works in literary and visual arts, respectively.
They were presented with their prizes at last Sunday’s LIME NIFCA Performing Arts Gala, which was held at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, by Acting Governor General Elliott Belgrave.
It was the third time Sandiford, who got the prestigious award and a gold for his short story Massiah, has won the award. The large audience was treated to a video of Sandiford’s reading of an excerpt of Massiah, shot at the Literary Arts Gala a few weeks ago. The former journalist is the author of six books.
Hutchinson was awarded for a work titled Cobbler, which was inspired by the sea urchin. The British-trained artist holds a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Furniture Design and Making, but he is comfortable working with other materials, which include stone, metal, synthetics and natural objects.
The Governor General’s Award of Excellence is offered for the most outstanding professional entry achieving gold, which is defined as 96 per cent or higher. It includes a $5 000 cash prize and a trophy.
There was much more for the responsive audience to shout about at the gala, however. They were treated to performances in dance, drama/speech and music from the likes of the hilarious Janine White, whose Waiting In Line left them in stitches, the Ignatius Byer Primary School Choir, Jane Small, Corey Springer, St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir, Dancin’ Africa, Alexandra Beacons Select and the youngsters from Pinelands Creative Workshop, who topped off the evening of excellence with Keeping The Ship Afloat.
