Michael Robinson, Gleaner Writer
Nakazzi - Clay Mask Contributed
Kingston On The Edge (KOTE) started out as nothing more than a conversation between friends. A handful of young people trying to come up with something interesting to do that would also showcase the talents of their artistic friends and acquaintances. How they went from there to an eight-day festival, involving different genres of creative output from all over the world, is a testament to passion, commitment and real dedication.
"We were tired of people only having negative things to say about Kingston," says Enola Williams, one of the organisers. "We knew there was positive stuff, but it was just hidden. And if we could bring it all together in one place, under one forum, then that's what we were going to do."
summer solstice
The festival is timed to coincide with the summer solstice and runs from June 20-28. With its stated vision of unity through art, KOTE taps into the vibrant and innovative energy of the creative underground and melds it with the mainstream, creating a whole new kind of space.
One happening last year saw Joaquin Portocarero, another of the core visionaries, creating paintings inside a nightclub. Interested onlookers were also welcome, and only too willing, to take part. Another event was an exhibition of visual art at the Mutual Gallery, while folk songstress Della Manley sang at the centre of the room. Visitors sat on the floor enjoying the sublime experience.
"Art is for everyone," says Williams. As a result, most of the events, which span some two dozen locations throughout Kingston and St Andrew, are free and open to everyone of all ages and backgrounds. During the week, the festival runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on the weekends, events are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
surpassed expectations
KOTE's inaugural staging in 2007 surpassed expectations, drawing crowds of varying sizes to displays, which featured combinations of painting, sculpture, poetry and music. This year promises to be even more stimulating, as theatre and dance are being added to the creative platter. Each event combines at least two different genres to make for rich sensory experiences.
Another characteristic of note at every KOTE happening seems to be that, whether attendance is large or small, there is always an exchange of ideas, and of energy, that leaves people feeling enriched for having taken part.
The organisers - Omar Francis, Carolyn Lazarus and Beatriz Pozueta, round out the group - are staying true to their underground roots. As a result, KOTE has no visible commercial sponsorship. Besides a donation from Jamaica Trade and Invest, through a European Union fund, people and organisations have been donating cash, kind and time in a genuine effort to promote art in any form.
"This is obviously not a money-making process," laughs Williams, "but it's giving exposure to people who really deserve it. And to a city that deserves it." Kingston, she believes, is a cultural capital and KOTE aims to deliver that experience.
Following an opening night at KOTE headquarters, Red Bones, The Blues Café, headlined by a Grammy-nominated trio of Cuban drummers, the festival moves into high gear. The following day, the National Gallery opens its doors and the public will be treated to free guided tours of their current exhibition, 'Curator's Eye'.
happenings
For the rest of the week, happenings include the opening of The Rock Tower - an old warehouse given new life as an art gallery in downtown Kingston. African culture will be highlighted in a series of films at Marcus Garvey's Liberty Hall. A free concert at Jamaica's only synagogue will feature a mixture of classical music followed by performances from Susan Couch and Della Manley. Graduate students from Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) will have work on display during an open studio exhibition. The roof of the PCJ building will be transformed into a sculpture garden featuring seven artists, including Gene Pearson and old-school dub selections from Gabre Selassie. There will even be a mural project where members of the public will contribute to the creation of art on designated walls at several sites in downtown Kingston.
open-house exhibitions
Add to that open-house exhibitions and free workshops by internationally acclaimed artists, and it's hard to see how it can all be squeezed into one week.
This festival will also see the return of a popular item from last year's last line-up - the gallery hop. From 6 to 11p.m. on Monday evening, art lovers will be able to visit four different galleries during extended hours.
This year, the entire festival is dedicated to Darren Khan, a journalist who died last year. Also known as Chaos, Khan was a staunch supporter of Jamaica's alternative music and art scene and had become a staple at events like KOTE. His coverage of last year's staging likely played a role in the substantial overall turnout, as well as the strong support for this year's effort.
In homage to Chaos, the closing show will feature a jam session with at least nine bands. Part of the show's proceeds will be used as a Chaos scholarship fund to go toward tuition or materials for a first-year student at EMCVPA. The organisers aim to make the scholarship a regular feature.
tremendous support
As ambitious a project as KOTE is, Enola admits she thought last year's occurrence was a one-time deal. No doubt the tremendous outpouring of support has been instrumental in the manifestation of a second staging. The vision of a better Jamaica by way of art is a powerful one that seems to have taken root in the heart of many.
"The idea is to push forth positive creative energy within the city ... within all of us." Williams' voice carries a hint of urgency, "And always through art, because it's something that bonds us in a way that nothing else can."
