OAS & Partners Host Cultural Showcase in Kingstown
THE ORGANISATION of the American States (OAS), in collaboration with the Youlou Arts Foundation and the St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) National Trust, hosted an art exhibition on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the old Public Library in Kingstown, in commemoration of the IX Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas. The event was held under the theme, “Equality that inspires, freedom that transforms, and a hemisphere that leads.”
The exhibition highlighted both historical and contemporary perspectives of African heritage and identity in the region. Attendees included cultural officials, artists, and members of the public, all gathered to celebrate and reflect on the significance of African-descended peoples’ contributions to society.
In her remarks, Administrative Technician of the OAS, Diana Browne, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the exhibition.
She said the exhibition was not just a “…collection of paintings and sculptures. It is a declaration of presence, a reclamation of history, and a testament to resilience. It speaks to ancestral memory, to the profound contributions of those who came before us, and to the vibrant expressions of contemporary artists whose voices continue to shape our cultural and social landscape”.
Browne also expressed gratitude to the partnering organizations for their support and active participation in making the event a success.
Research Officer in the Department of Culture, Ministry ofYouth, Sport, Culture and Creative Industries, Rawdica Stephen, described the exhibition as a “powerful affirmation of identity, heritage and creative expression”. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in initiatives like this, noting that they help to elevate cultural voices across the region.
“This exhibition and others like it reflect a broader truth; culture is not static, it is dynamic and shaped by the past, informed by the present…”.
Stephen also noted that the later unveiling of a sculpture mural at the Peace Memorial Hall was signalling continued efforts to promote cultural awareness.
Board member of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust, film maker Akley Olton, spoke about the vital role of the organization in safeguarding the nation’s heritage. He noted that “the National Trust is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting, preserving and promoting our natural culture, built heritage, and us St Vincent and the Grenadines”. Olton underscored the importance of partnerships between institutions such as the National Trust and organizations like the OAS, stating that “Partnerships between institutions like the National Trust and organisations like the OAS create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, education and action”.
He further explained that, “this helps us to build bridges and gaps between policy and people, between history, the present and the future”. Olton said such initiatives go beyond preservation; they actively engage communities in understanding and appreciating their heritage. The acclaimed film maker also encouraged attendees to learn, support, and contribute to preserving the rich cultural legacy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Following the official remarks, patrons were invited to tour the exhibition, where they viewed a diverse collection of artwork created by various artists. The pieces reflected themes of identity, resilience, history, and cultural pride, aligning closely with the overarching message of the event.
Comments
