Georgetown: Sixty-four students graduated Wednesday evening from the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA), bringing the curtain down on yet another successful academic year.
The ICA’s Sixth Convocation Ceremony was hosted at the National Cultural Center, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.
The ICA encompasses four artistic schools – the National School of Dance, E.R. Burrowes School of Art, the National School of Music, and the National School of Theater Arts and Drama.
The graduates from the aforementioned schools were all conferred with diplomas and certificates for their hard work during the period 2018/2019.
Valedictorian awards were given to the most deserving students from each of the four ICA schools.
These include Savona Cole and Satie Duo, both of whom were named Valedictorians of the Nation School of Dance; Rayzor Cruz from the National School of Music; Amaraydha Karrtick from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama; and Alyce Cameron from the E.R Burrowes School of Arts who also received a special prize from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Delivering the feature address at the ceremony was Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton.
Minister Norton underscored the importance of the artistic community, as he reminisced on the satisfaction and pride he felt while attending the various functions during Carifesta XIV, which was hosted in Trinidad and Tobago during August last.
“I attended each activity with my head held high. I stood at events and gazed in pride as Guyana’s representatives stunned the regional and international communities,” Dr. Norton said.
The Minister posited that the graduation of a new batch of students delivers hope that Guyana’s cultural and creative arts industries can only get better.
Dr. Norton also touched on some of the plans he has for the continued development of the arts in Guyana.
“Moving forward, my intention is to focus on the key area of marketing. I believe that the development of the Cultural and Creative Arts industry depends largely on the artist’s ability to market themselves and/or their products,” Minister Norton said.
Specific reference was also made to the issuance of financial support to artists under the first-ever Cultural and Creative Arts Industry Grants.
“As many of you may know, 15 persons have been awarded grants totaling $20M to aid in business ventures that center on their respective talents – whether to execute a production, purchase materials for a new sculpture, or facilitate the publication of a new book,” Dr. Norton reminded.
He explained that the grants were issued as Government’s way of letting the artistic community know that they are valued and appreciated.
Minister Norton ended his address by charging the graduates to take chances and never limit themselves, as they may very well have what it takes to become international sensation.
“But when you do achieve that level of fame, do remember to remain humble, and whatever you do, do not develop a foreign accent. Guyana is looking forward to seeing you create your own authentic, artistic legacies,” Minister Norton urged.
Delivering remarks was the ICA’s Principal, the Director of Culture (ag), Ms. Tamika Boatswain, who also shared words of encouragements.
“See yourselves as agents of change and use your craft in service of others, for it is in that service that you will truly find your true purpose… a purpose-driven life is a successful life,” Boatswain posited.
The programme was tastefully executed with a number of cultural pieces performed by graduates of the four ICA schools.
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