Davina Henry, Staff Reporter

The Government is making good on its promise to position Kingston as the entertainment capital of the world by promoting an event which features all local artistes.

Initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, 'Arts in the Park' will be open to the masses in an attempt to give those in attendance a taste of reggae music at it's finest.

Still riding the wave of the Jamaica 50 celebrations, State Minister of Entertainment Damion Crawford told The Sunday Gleaner the event will expose local talent to the world.

"What we realise is that there needs to be a greater marketing of the product. This staging of Art in the Park will allow for greater exposure of our acts to energise the market and also expose these acts to intermediaries," Crawford said.

The soothing sounds of Protoje, Chronixx, No-Maddz, C-Sharp and others will fill the air at the Hope Botanical Gardens, specifically at Palm Drive.

The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and the Entertainment Advisory Board sees this initiative as a major boost to the development of the entertainment sector in Jamaica.

Arts in the Park aims to provide new and up-and-coming artistes the opportunity for exposure on both the local and international markets.  A panel of international music executives will be in the island to witness these artistes and bands showcasing their skills and talent.

Great opportunity

Brandon Bakshi, executive director of Broadcast Music Inc, informed The Sunday Gleaner that he is already in the island for what promises to be a massive event.

"I'm here to check out some amazing talents and just to see who will translate well in the international market. I'm also here to make sure that these talents get what they have worked for. This is a fabulous opportunity to see colleagues and friends and to ensure that these artistes are paid their due," Bakshi said.

The resurgence of live music in recent times has seen a new wave of stage shows and productions and according to Crawford, now was an opportune time to host an event of this kind.

"This will not be a one -off event. We are definitely planning on having more 'Arts in the Park' shows, There are other forms of art that we will seek to incorporate including crafts, dance etc. We are also hoping to host this event more than once per year," he said.

Sharon Burke, a noted promoter who also sits on the Entertainment Advisory Board, said that this event is needed to re-energise the industry.

"We wanted a line-up that will befit our 50th year and that would excite both our local audience and also the music executives that are in the island. To be able to host such an acclaimed event is an achievement for Jamaica and it is going to be a stellar event," Burke told The Sunday Gleaner.

Arts in the Park begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. It is free to the public.