Kingston Creative marked its eight anniversary with a spectacular art walk festival and the official launch of its ‘Adopt-a-Block’ initiative on February 23. 

The event was a true international celebration of Reggae Month, with a “Jamexican Fusion” performance delivered by four visiting Mexican reggae artists and sponsored by the Mexican Embassy. 

Highlights of the day were the musical performances by Tweeps Beats, Creatives for Peace, reggae upstart Christopher Ellis (son of reggae legend Alton Ellis), and Grammy-nominated recording artiste Jesse Royal, who brought the crowd to their feet.

With over 60 artisans and artists in the artisan market, this packed event was a fitting launch to ‘Adopt A Block’ which is an innovative crowdfunding initiative, transforming downtown Kingston into a world-class art district.

The new benches, arches, signage, shading and seating were on full display much to the patrons’ delight. Robert Hill, CEO of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) and David Brown, director of culture and entertainment synergies at the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment, brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Jamaica.

Speeches were also made by the seven corporate donors who adopted a block – Tanketa Chance Wilson, executive director, Barita Foundation; Miguel “Steppa” Willams, director of strategic planning and community development, Digicel Foundation; Sandra Moodie, curator at the Bank of Jamaica; Brandon Burke, special projects manager, Gore Family Foundation; Lauri-Ann Samuels, executive director, National Bakery Foundation; Paul Elliot, CEO of the Victoria Mutual Building Society; and Toni-Ann Reid, marketing manager at PwC.

The organisations hosted activities on their adopted blocks, making for an animated street arts festival and a cultural experience like no other.

In eight short years, arts nonprofit Kingston Creative has amassed an impressive list of 69 donors, whose names are displayed on gold and silver plaques on a recognition wall on Church Street.  As a registered charity, they are aiming to hit their target of 100 donors by the end of 2025.

With just one more block of the art walk left to be adopted and 31 more ‘First 100 donors’ to enrol, there was an urgent call for the public and the business community to get involved with the transformational movement. 

Executive director Andrea Dempster Chung commented, “It’s our eighth anniversary this month, and we are really seeing the impact of our work on the lives of artists and creative entrepreneurs. We have made visible strides in revitalising downtown Kingston and Water Lane itself has evolved into a multiple award-winning, vibrant hub for murals, creative expression, and a destination for cultural tourism. Today, we call on all well-thinking businesses, organizations, and individuals to step up and become a part of this positive change happening in our city and country.”

The Adopt A Block initiative is a crowdfunding partnership between public and private sector leaders who all publicly reinforced their belief in downtown Kingston’s potential.

The Government of Jamaica and its agencies were also praised for the vital role they have played – including the Ministry of Culture, KSAMC, NEPA, Ministry of Tourism, TEF and UDC – in developing the new Downtown Kingston Art District.

This recent upgrade of Water Lane was also credited to the efforts of Nubian Construction, Horisun Limited, Pre-Mix Concrete, Recycling Partners of Jamaica, Hope Gardens, Iron Termite Welding, iPrint Digital Group, and Nunez Construction. 

The ongoing transformation of Kingston remains a priority for the Government, with ambitious long-term plans to continue developing the city’s waterfront in an inclusive and balanced way, respecting communities and culture.

The new Downtown Kingston Art District being developed by Kingston Creative and its partners demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships, showcases Jamaica’s unique talent and creativity, attracts new visitors, generates economic opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship, and creates much-needed jobs.

Downtown Kingston’s Water Lane is rapidly becoming a place of pride – demonstrating that when arts, culture, and commerce thrive, the city prospers.

Check out these Our Today photos from Kingston Creative’s ‘Adopt a Block’ event: