Kingston Creative’s Artwalk Food Festival Unites Communities Through Cuisine and Art

Culinary Professional Tiana Henry (left) pours administrative assistant Jaime Cubillos (right) a shot of Ron Viejo de Caldas while sharing smiles.

Kingston, Wednesday, August 28, 2024: “This food festival provides us with the opportunity to bring our Colombian culture to Jamaica and also allows us to interact and appreciate the works of other creative artisans,” shared Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Jamaica, Her Excellency, Mrs. Emiliana Bernard, as she reflects on Kingston Creative’s Artwalk Food Festival. On Sunday, August 26, the event exposed patrons to diverse foods and experiences while offering cultural ambassadors to showcase their culture to Jamaicans.

“This rich cultural exchange helps to build bilateral and multilateral relationships with Jamaica, and I am so happy with the turnout. Seeing the patrons interact at our booth and experience a taste of our Colombian cuisine and culture was such a surreal experience. We have so much to offer, including puddings, arepas made from cornmeal, stuffed Irish potatoes, rice cakes, pumpkin cake, and Rón Viejo de Caldas, a type of Colombian rum. Everything crafted here today was made with love, and we hope everyone felt that,” added Bernard.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Honorary Consul of Ecuador Clelia Barreto de Hunter expressed gratitude to the Kingston Creative team for the invitation to the Artwalk for the very first time.

“The food festival brought together different cultures and communities, which is a wonderful thing to see. Watching everyone embrace and support one another shows that there is support within the community, and we want to continue to see that,” said Barreto de Hunter.

The monthly Artwalk brought together small business owners who showcased an enticing selection of culinary delights. The event began with a Discover Downtown CreativSpace tour, followed by the unveiling of the Rotary Kingston East and Port Royal Mural. The event also featured live performances by the Denham Town Dance Academy, a community open mic, and an exhibition by Andwele Haughton. Patrons enjoyed performances by a musical and dance group from Cartagena while participating in a Red Stripe Flavours paint and sip session led by artist Dan Thompson and a cupcake decorating class with Chelle. 

This opportunity gives us, as small business owners, the chance to showcase our craft and connect with the community in a significant way. The support has been great each year, and we are only getting bigger and better from here,” said Executive Chef of Liv and Be Nourished Rohan Fray. 

The event also featured live performances by the Denham Town Dance Academy and an exhibition by Andwele Haughton. The day also featured a “Taste the Bikkle and VOTE!” pastry competition, a special tribute as a pre-birthday celebration to Jamaican poet and folklorist Louise Bennett-Coverley, and a Red Stripe Flavours Cocktail Demonstration with mixologist Garret “Bar Hero.”

Director of Kingston Creative Andrea Dempster Chung highlighted that the event fosters cultural exchange and community engagement across the diaspora. “The Artwalk has always been about more than just showcasing talent; it’s about celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our creative community. This festival is a testament to the power of the arts in bringing people together, and we are thrilled to see the vibrant energy it has brought to Downtown Kingston.”

The festival culminated with live performances by Quan Dajai and Annaleax, leaving patrons with lasting memories of a day where culture, cuisine, and creativity intertwined seamlessly.

“We are proud to partner with such a dynamic event that celebrates diversity and brings communities together through the universal language of food and art. Collaborating with Kingston Creative’s Artwalk Food Festival allows us to support and engage with local artisans and patrons alike, highlighting the rich cultural heritage that makes Jamaica so unique. This partnership embodies what Red Stripe Flavours stands for—creating vibrant and memorable experiences that unite and inspire,” expressed Red Stripe Flavours Brand Manager Jodi Ann Campbell.

Caption: Savouring the flavours of Colombia! Manager Mauricio Molina (left) and contractor Ronald Gomes indulge in a delicious bite of traditional Colombian cuisine, featuring crispy arepas and papas.

Attorney-at-law Debra-Ann Matthews (centre) and her friends architect Hugo Matthews (left) and Doctor Suzzane McDonald (right) beat the heat with refreshing popsicles at the Kingston Creative Artwalk Food Festival.