The Department of Culture in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries has officially launched the 20th annual Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) National Performing Arts Festival 2026. The launch proceedings took place at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown, marking the return and expansion of one of the nation’s premier cultural showcases under the theme “Reclaiming Our Legacy.”
The month-long festival gathers actors, playwrights, poets, cultural practitioners, students, and audiences to celebrate Vincentian identity, traditions, and artistic heritage through drama, poetry, monologues, and cultural dialogues. Following opening devotions led by Ronette Buntin and the singing of the national anthem, master of ceremonies Ashisha Sam welcomed dignitaries, cultural ambassadors, and attendees to the launch.
A comprehensive itinerary was unveiled by Drama Development Officer Sean Frederick, outlining an ambitious schedule that kicks off with a two-day National Performing Arts Conference at Peace Memorial Hall under the banner “Believe, Innovate, Next Level.” Broadcast live on VC3, the conference examines the creative sector’s role in national development, highlighted by a panel roundtable titled “Navigating the Challenges While Advancing Towards an Orange Economy,” moderated by O’Rande “Bomani” Charles and featuring panelists Jonard Ford, Nisha Hope, Garrett John, and Dr. Janelle Allen.
The performance calendar continues across November with free and ticketed community and theatrical showcases:
Saturday, November 7: The inaugural National Poetry and Monologue Competition at the CDC Entice facility (free admission, 7:00 PM), offering an intimate setting for emerging creative voices.
Sunday, November 15: An evening of poetry, storytelling, and music at Peace Memorial Hall headlined by grandmaster poet Steve Wyche and Company alongside prominent local musicians.
November 21–22: Back-to-back theatrical productions at Peace Memorial Hall (admission 0 XCD, 7:00 PM), celebrating female Vincentian dramatists: Samantha Martin’s award-winning drama “Soft Rope” on November 21, and Jackie English-Jacobs’ play “Mavis Mighty Model” on November 22.
Friday, November 27: A historic reenactment drama written by David “Darkie” Williams, with research and historical contributions by Sean Frederick, exploring the landmark 1935 trial of George Augustus McIntosh on treason charges following the 1935 Kingstown riots.
November 28–29: The return of Dawson Billingy’s acclaimed feature play “Soca Relations,” closing the festival with an energetic showcase of young and emerging stage talent.
The festival’s executive production team features seasoned cultural practitioners and performing arts youth ambassadors, including Ezra Ford, David Williams, Dawson Billingy, Lori John, Shaqwami, Tia Seals, Leslie Millington, and Michael Williams. The launch concluded with the formal handover of BOSVG’s title sponsorship check to Permanent Secretary Rommel Currency and Director of Culture Maxine Brown, signaling strong public-private partnership in advancing Vincentian heritage and creative expression.
