PHILIPSBURG:--- The NIACA Festival is a platform to celebrate the St.Maarten Story as told by the people who live and work here as artist. The showcase celebrates both our traditional cultural heritage, as well as the contemporary works created by the artist of now. The National Institute of Arts has selected October 10th for the NIACA Festival, as we feel that the transition to Country Status is the appropriate occasion to celebrate all things St.Maarten. Our past, our present, and visions of our future. In addition, we at NIA see this as a time to honor the creative works of those who have paved the way so that NIA could be here today.
The highlight of the evening will be an Award ceremony honoring St.Maarten artist of 3 generations.
1. The Griot Award we bestow on The Seniors /The Older-Heads The pioneers who have paved so that we may do what we do today.
2. The Vanguard Award. This is the generation that has forged on, creating works in a myriad of genres. They are the contemporary generation. Artists of now that are doing creative expressive works in all discipline.
3. The Young Emerging Artist Award speaks for it self. These are the artists of the future. Those now embarking on their artistic path.
The National Institute of Arts recognizes that Arts and Culture play vital roles in celebrating the story of our humanity. The artist that we honor are a treasure throve of information and have created a library of work that helps tell Sweet S’Maatin Story.
These artists have devoted themselves to living an exemplary life as an Artist, despite of all the obstacles faced in the process of creating and developing their art here on this island.
Through their hard work, perseverance, dedication, and commitment to excellence,
St. Maarten/St. Martin now has tangible works, which celebrates all “Our-Story”.
NIA knows that the Sweet S’Maatin Story lives in the body of our artists, poets, dancers, cultural workers, storytellers and others engaged in Culture & Arts. The Griots of our Island are a true testament and example of Artistry embodied.
NIACA Festival 2014 Awardees were as follows:
Griot Awards: Harold Jack, Cynric Griffith, Evelyn Roberts Ann Meyers
Vanguard Awards: Musician and Band leader Jules Carty & Dancer, Cynthia Roberts
Emerging Artist Award: Visual Artist and Fashion Designer Akeem Adams & Vocalist Chantal Richardson
The NIACA festival of Arts and Culture takes place every year on October 10. This will be our third annual event. Performers include artist from St.Maarten and takes place at the John Larmonie Center.
Tickets are $10 at the gate. Show time 7pm promptly, seating is limited. We recommend you call and reserve or come early.
