The Carifesta Child Art competition came to a close on Wednesday with an exhibition at the Umana Yana.
In a press release, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said the competition was spearheaded by the Visual Arts Committee of the Carifesta Secretariat which is also responsible for several art projects in the lead up to and during the festival.

Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony, second, back row and UNICEF Representative Johannes Wedenig, third, back row pose with the winners in the Carifesta Child Art Competition.

The exhibit showcased the winning pieces of the Guyana leg of the competition which was open to youths countrywide. Five of Guyana’s best artists and art teachers from the Burrowes School of Art, the University of Guyana, Castellani House and the Ministry of Education judged the competition. GINA said in the 8 to 11 category Natasha Isaacs copped the first place while Chantel Lewis and Winston Alexander secured the first prize in the 12 to 14 and 15 to 18 category respectively. All of the winners received I-pods and a $1,500 book voucher. Second and third place winners received DVD players and bicycles respectively. They were also given book vouchers.

According to GINA, Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony said children’s involvement in the festival was a key area early in the planning stages. He said that aspect had already won support from UNICEF which agreed to present the prizes. Anthony said he was pleased at the number of entries, especially from the hinterland areas and is hopeful that the ministry can host annual competitions.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Representative Johannes Wedenig said the competition coincided with the Convention of the Rights of the Child programme. He said UNICEF was proud to be associated with the festival noting the creativity is the key to unlocking the future.

GINA said UNICEF was one of the partners in the Carifesta Youth Village, which will be hosted at the National Park. It is also sponsoring the seawall mural, which is expected to stretch from Sheriff Street to Conversation Tree. “We have to give children the space to express themselves not only with Carifesta X but in future Carifestas,” Wedenig said.