SLYOU Magazine Issue 2 | Page 30

BUSINESS CORNER CDF’s Deputy Executive Director, Celeste Burton, noted that the opportunity for local artists to get their work exposed, evaluated and analyzed at the international level and showcase their work at the Prizm Art Show in Miami was a proud moment for CDF. Saint Lucian artists recently got a shot at having their works showcased at Prizm Art Fair, scheduled for December in Miami, Florida. The Prizm Art Fair is a cutting- edge cultural platform that is multidisciplinary in scope, its goal being to expand the spectrum of exhibiting international artists from Africa, the African Diaspora and emerging markets, who reflect global trends in contemporary art. An open air art showcase was held in Constitution Park, Castries, on July 5, where several local artists displayed their works to the public, but especially for Prizm Art Fair’s founder/director, Mikhaile Solomon, who was on island. The art showcase was organized by Export Saint Lucia and the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF). Chief Executive Officer of Export Saint Lucia, Sunita Daniel, said her organization proudly supports the creative sector, citing Teddyson John and Dennery Segment artistes who have become recognized crowd favourites on the regional and international music scene. “We are proud when our sculptors are selected to create work for the international market, such as Jallim Eudovic has done in China,” Daniel said at the art showcase. “We’re proud when our fashion companies, such as Meme Bete and Christy Creations, are recognized for their exceptional quality and creativity.” Daniel said Export Saint Lucia’s mandate is understanding the needs of creatives trying to access export markets, adding that the art showcase was testament to government’s commitment and support for creatives. 28 SL-YOU | It’s All About Business “We have worked with artists over the years and recognize that art is the life of our society: it is fun; for some it’s an escape; it’s an expression of creativity; it shows love, sometimes frustration, deep emotion, power and imagination,” she explained. “Art represents the realism that we experience every day; it is energizing and a true representation of the tactile and real experiences of our environment.” Burton said CDF remains committed to ensuring that our artists’ works are taken to greater platforms, thereby offering them greater visibility and sales potential. Also offering assurance for high- level support to artists was Fortuna Belrose, Minister with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industries, who said government will continue www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019