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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 45 - Monday July 28, 2003 |
Cultural Development Fund to Promote Music and Culture Among Dominican Youth by: Ras Mo
The Ralph J Casimir and Orian S Theophille Cultural Development and
Education Fund was set up to keep alive the name, memory and work of two great Dominican artists who contributed tremendously to the cultural development of Dominica and the Caribbean region.
Renowned published poet, journalist and writer Ralph J Casimir was born in St Joseph in 1898. He was a founder of Marcus Garvey�s UNIA and also agent for the Black Star Liner, Garvey�s star flagship. He also served as a councilor in the Roseau Town Council and was a major contributor to the 1932 West Indian Conference.
Born in Grand bay in 1912, Orian Selestain Theophille, was a national female icon, a preserver of local traditions, magnificent drummer, dancer, singer, artist and teacher. Orian defied the norm where drummers were mainly men and excelled as a belaire drummer and dancer.(Detailed profiles of ORIAN and Ralph will soon be published).
The Fund will be hosted by The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) at http://www.da-academy.org, and will be administered by a committee comprising several Dominicans at home and abroad.
The fund will focus on among other things:
� supplying musical instrument to schools;
� summer and holiday programs for youth;
� artist residences and workshops conducted by prominent Dominican artists;
� instructions on music theory, songwriting and composition;
� teaching about music industry, publishing and copyright laws;
� marketing and distributing recorded music, music equipment and accessories;
� teaching audio/video recording and production; and
� teaching the history of Dominican music.
As part of the 25th Independence anniversary celebration taking place this year, twenty Dominican artists at home and abroad have consented to contribute towards a compilation CD recording of some of their best works.
This historical CD celebrating our cultural heritage will be a rich and diverse cultural experience of the Dominican people. It ranges from indigenous forms to contemporary pieces.
Proceeds from this gift to the youth of Dominica will go towards funding our first national summer arts workshop in 2004. The summer workshop will climax with a live show, video presentations and a compilation Compact Disc of the young peoples works.
We are presently in the process of raising $6000.00 toward production, manufacturing and distribution of the first compilation CD. Tax deductible contributions can be made by mailing the check or money orders to:
The Treasurer
DAAS
P O Box 27254
Washington DC, 27254.
Advertising space can also be purchased in the 8-page CD booklet. For
advertising details contact Neal Nixon via email at [email protected]. For all other inquiries contact Delmance Ras Mo Moses [email protected]. 510 407 8284.
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