For the fourth year in a row, the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) has organized the annual Street Arts Festival, and today, the customary hustle and bustle of shopping in downtown Belize City seemed almost non-existent as the main area of the commercial capital had literally been transformed into a village of cultural and artistic activity aimed at showcasing various genres of creative arts and crafts, combined with a full-fledged line of entertainment of all sorts.

Throngs of Belizeans flooded the downtown area to witness the unique exhibit of works from various artists, in addition to a variety of local foods and performances from home-grown entertainers such as the Garifuna Collective.

The Sidewalk Art Competition was a first for the festival, and well-known art aficionado Gilvano Swasey, who volunteered as a judge, elaborated on the purpose of the competition and the festival itself.

He told Amandala that two groups of artists were involved, a group of seniors – which included high school students – and a group of juniors, who are basically beginners or primary school students. “The main idea is for them to express themselves,” he said. He explained that the competition is a different approach to art because the artists have to do their work on the ground using the rough concrete, so the artists have to use different techniques in order to portray the image that they are trying to materialize.

We also spoke to some of the artists who took part in the competition, and they said that the competition was an opportunity for them to showcase their talents, gain confidence in themselves and sharpen their artistic skills.

While art and its diverse expressions was the basis of the festival, food vendors and entrepreneurs prepared a wide variety of food, pastries, paintings and ornaments to offer to members of the public as well.

The family event – which has grown – was a treat for all Belizeans, as there were sections that catered for young kids, older youths and adults alike, for example, a newly added Carnival section where Carnival bands were allowed to promote their bands.

Another new feature was an innovative play, created by ICA’s Creative Arts Development Officer, Joseph Stamp-Romero, which depicted the negative experiences in the lives of at-risk youths who are often engaged by gangs who operate in their neighborhoods.

With old and new features which become a part of the festival on a yearly basis, the event is fast becoming an infrequent occasion for musicians, artists and other creative minds to publicly display their works, their talents and their overall ingenious skills to the innumerable enthusiasts who come out to appreciate the culturally-charged explosion and mixture of artistry.