Arts in Jamaica
Trip Overview
Jamaica has shaped global culture far out of proportion to its size. Reggae is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, sound system culture seeded entire genres abroad, and the island’s visual artists, dancers and storytellers continue to define how Black identity, liberation and creativity are expressed and understood.
This fourteen day program invites students into Jamaica’s living artistic landscape through music, visual arts, dance, storytelling, sound systems and culinary tradition. Combining theory with hands on creative practice, students work alongside local artists and scholars in Kingston and Montego Bay, and develop individual creative projects that synthesize academic learning with their own artistic voice. The standard format presented here condenses GSA’s flagship arts experience into a focused two week program; an extended residency is available on request.
Artistic Competence
Understand Jamaica’s artistic landscape across music, dance, visual art and storytelling.
Creative Production
Produce a capstone project synthesising learning and personal expression.
Program Highlights
What's Included
- Welcome orientation and health and safety overview
- Airport pick up and drop off
- All accommodation, 13 nights
- Daily breakfast plus selected group meals
- All ground transportation
- 24/7 in country support
- Studio recording and songwriting sessions
- Edna Manley College engagement
- Sound system and DJ workshops
- Dance, storytelling and craft workshops
- National Gallery and mural tours
- Maroon cultural experience
- Capstone facilitation and showcase
What's Not Included
- Round trip international airfare
- Passport and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed as included
- Optional tips and gratuities
- Personal art materials beyond those provided
- Optional add on activities
- Beverages not included with meals
Accommodation
The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, Kingston
A creative base in the heart of New Kingston, close to the galleries, studios and the college that anchor the first week. Comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi and common space support both studio days and reflection.
The Atrium at Ironshore, Montego Bay
A GSA homebase on the north coast at Ironshore. The Atrium offers a relaxed, social setting with communal spaces well suited to collaborative creative work, within reach of Montego Bay's music scene and the sea.