JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL HEIGHTENS ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

The largest and most recognized musical, cultural and historical showpiece in Saint Lucia – the rebranded Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, is again set to provide employment opportunities for thousands on the island.

Notwithstanding the scores of local artistes and artisans who will grace jazz performance venues across the country over the eleven days of the festival, thousands of other Saint Lucians will derive economic activity through the provision of vital festival ancillary services.

Already dozens of individuals, as well as privately owned small, medium and large sized enterprises have responded to calls for Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide technical and logistical support towards staging the iconic festival.

Keenly sought after service providers range from sound and light engineering, stage decor, coordination & management, photography, videography and emceeing services, graphic designs and media relations support, transportation and catering, security services and cleaning to name a few.

“The annual outsourcing of these services spurs direct economic activity amounting to millions of dollars and provides vital employment opportunities for thousands of Saint Lucians,” says Director of Tourism Louis Lewis.

The participation of local service providers, estimated at 40% of the overall Jazz & Arts budget, “also allows for capacity building through the development of a cadre of highly skilled and competent individuals who over the two decade history of the festival, have honed their respective talents and skills,” noted Lewis.

The deadline for receipt of RFPs for this year’s festival is February 24, 2015 and must be submitted to the Financial Controller.

Now into its 24th year, the 2015 edition of the Jazz & Arts Festival runs from April 30 to May 10 and features a stellar line-up of performers who blend island culture, famed musical talent and diverse musical genres.

The Official Opening of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is slated for April 30 at the ‘People’s Auditorium,’ the Mindoo Phillip Park. The executive producer of the 2015 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.