Those who attended the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and Vintage Tent on July 1, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) were treated to the unveiling of a massive art installation, produced by a team of this country’s top shelf artists.
The official launch of the 2023 Crop Over Festival took place Hayman’s Factory, St Peter, the fine artists team of Shane Eastmond, Don Small, Christina Murray and Heather-Dawn Scott put the finishing touches on what is expected to be the most stunning mural created in recent times. It will reflect the theme of the ceremony – Sugar Reimagined.
Oneka Small, the NCF’s curator who leads this component of the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and Vintage Tent explained the NCF provided the vision board for the four artists to capture the aesthetics of this year’s theme.
“They have working around the clock to produce this mural which is inspire by the theme Sugar Reimagined. They have spearheaded the design using digital technology process,” she explained.
Crop Over sponsors Berger Paints Barbados Ltd also supported the art project by providing all the paint products required to complete the huge production which will take a place of prominence in the factory yard.
Small praised the efforts of the NCF’s Chief Executive Officer Carol Roberts to ensure greater prominence and inclusion of visual arts in the Crop Over Festival.
Meanwhile, Visual Arts Officer Rodney Ifill supervised the Dray Cart construction and design being done by local talent Anthony Payne. The decorated Dray Cart featured in the colourful and historical procession into the factory yard.
Patrons attending the official Crop Over opening at the expansive grounds of Hayman’s Factory, were treated to a slew of activities.
Activities such as the Bajan Marketplace with vendors, demonstrations, workshops, Millennial Hub, Chefs’ Corner and musical presentations from the Barbados Police Service Band began from 2 p.m.
However, the colourful highly anticipated parade, featuring a dramatic dray cart production carrying the last canes of the 2023 sugar crop commenced at 4 p.m.
The procession along the driveway to factory yard featured the Zouave Band of the Barbados Defence Force, tuk bands, stilt walkers, stick lickers, shaggy bears, dancers, the Barbados Landship, the honourees of Barbados’ sugar industry, along with a contingent from the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church who will lead the blessing of the last canes.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley addressed the event and declared Crop Over 2023 officially open, launching the Caribbean’s sweetest summer festival.
Hayman’s was the site of Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and Vintage Tent a beautifully restored sugar factory where Hayman’s Market was situated in the heart of St Peter. It is one of the largest repurposing projects in Barbados, which has been transformed into a destination of retail, dining, offices, apartments, community facilities and cultural venues. It featured an indoor marketplace, bakery, butchery, bars, coffee shops, fitness centre, supervised kids centre and much more.
Thousands converged on Hayman’s Factory on Saturday transportation to the venue was provided by The Transport Board.
