WWW.OECSCULTURE.NET Web Portal to be Launched in Antigua as Part of OECS 25th Anniversary
June 8th, 2006
An online cultural network http://www.oecsculture.net/ will be launched with a major 3-day Cultural Fiesta in St. John’s Antigua as part of activities marking the OECS 25th Anniversary.
The launch begins on OECS Day, Sunday June 18 with a PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL at the Antigua Multipurpose Centre featuring top artistes from throughout the OECS, including the Antigua Dance Academy, Grenada Heritage Theatre Co., Arts Arise with poetry from St. Kitts and Nevis, Mami la Caye folk & story-telling group from St. Lucia, King DICE from Dominica, and The Red Hott Flames and Roots Steel Band from Antigua and Barbuda.
Events to promote the www.oecsculture.net continue on Monday June 19 with the first ever OECS FILM FESTIVAL, featuring productions exclusively from the OECS: Sweet Mango, No Seeds (HAMA Productions, Antigua and Barbuda), Ribbons of Blue and Troubled Waters (Mathurin Emmanuel, St. Lucia) and Blinded (Anderson Quarless, Grenada). There will also be an opportunity to debate with the film makers.
On Tuesday June 20 the launch of the www.oecsculture.net will culminate with a WEB SEARCH COMPETITION, targeting the region’s youth. www.oecsculture.net, the online network of OECS Cultural practitioners, is coordinated by the OECS Secretariat and funded by the French Government in order to deepen regional integration in the OECS along with Martinique and Guadeloupe. Private sector partners in the launch include: Cable and Wireless Antigua, Premier Beverages, Saint Lucia Distilleries, The Star publishing Co St Lucia. The web portal provides members with visibility, newsletters, news, contacts in all areas of culture, artists (music, dance, theatre, film, literature, visual arts…) promoters, studios, performance arts venues, government departments, events, etc.
The web portal also opens the window to a range of useful resources for artists. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to explore www.oecsculture.net and to join the network, which currently comprises over 80 organisations covering thousands of persons.
© 2006 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
