Arts festival to showcase talents from 30 schools
A festival showcasing “the boundless potential of arts education” is set to launch today.
The Department of Education has released a comprehensive schedule for the Spring into the Arts Festival, taking place from today until May 30, themed Stepping Forward: No Limitations.
This year, the department joins school communities around the world in celebrating the Unesco-designated International Arts Education Week, which runs from May 20 to May 26.
Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of Education, said: “This year's Spring into the Arts Festival is a testament to our belief in the unlimited potential of our students and the importance of arts education.
“This celebration, alongside our commemoration of International Arts Education Week, underscores our commitment to nurturing the creative talents of our youth, which is fundamental to their holistic development and wellbeing.
“I invite the community to join us in this spectacular celebration of the arts, where we will not only showcase the extraordinary talents of our students but also collectively support the growth and enrichment of arts education in our schools.
“Let's step forward together, with no limitations, into a future where the arts continue to play a vital role in our education system and society.”
Spring Into the Arts 2024 will include the talents of students from 30 public and private schools.
Primary Schools art exhibition: March 30 to April 11
Middle and senior schools art exhibition: April 16 to April 29
Location: Bermuda Society of Arts, City Hall
Admission: Free
Open: 10am to 4pm on weekdays, 10am to 2pm on Saturdays
The art exhibitions will allow students from all year levels to display their work, with the community invited to vote for the People’s Choice awards in various categories.
Confirmed participation:
• 17 public primary schools; Warwick Academy; Bermuda High School; Saltus Grammar School; Somersfield Academy; Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy; and Clara Mohammed School for the Primary Art Exhibition
• Three public middle and two public senior schools; Warwick Academy; Mount Saint Agnes Academy; Bermuda Institute; Bermuda High School; Saltus Grammar School; and Somersfield Academy for the middle and senior art exhibition
Performing arts showcases schedule:
• Senior schools showcase: May 2. Featuring performances from The Berkeley Institute; CedarBridge Academy; Somersfield Academy; Saltus; Bermuda High School; and Bermuda Institute
• Central family of schools showcase: May 9. Featuring performances from Dellwood Middle School; Victor Scott Primary; Prospect Primary School; Northlands Primary; Gilbert Primary; West Pembroke Primary; Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy; and Saltus
• East family of schools showcase: May 16. Featuring performances from Whitney Institute Middle School; East End Primary; St David’s Primary; St George’s Preparatory; Francis Patton Primary; Somersfield Academy; Harrington Sound Primary; and Elliot Primary
• West family of schools showcase: May 30. Sandys Secondary Middle School; Somerset Primary; West End Primary; Dalton E. Tucker Primary; Port Royal Primary; Paget Primary; Purvis Primary; and Bermuda Institute
Location and time for all showcases: Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts. 6pm to 8.30pm
Admission for performing arts showcases:
• $5 admission for children and adults available at the door. Cash only
• $25 patron tickets, offering VIP seating, reserved parking, and private reception access, available in advance via www.GPass.bm
The festival, “rich in diversity and creativity”, includes performances at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts and two art exhibitions at the Bermuda Society of Arts at City Hall.
A government spokeswoman said: “Each showcase promises an unforgettable experience with musical, dance and theatrical performances. Tributes to local performing artists will be presented and each night will be hosted by a different MC, adding a unique flavour to the festivities.”
All proceeds from admissions and raffle sales will be reinvested into arts programmes and resources at participating schools. There will be a selection of food and drink on offer from various vendors, with proceeds further supporting educational programming.
Last year, more than $7,000 was reinvested, while more than 1,500 students participated in the festival events.
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