The skill, talent and creativity of Saint Lucian artisans are to be exhibited to the world when the popular Rodney Bay strip in the north is transformed into a performance and craft mecca, as part of the arts component of the re-energized 24th edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.

A major four-day Arts Village, positioned between the Baywalk and J. Q. malls in the north, will take festival patrons on a riveting and inspiring journey of Saint Lucia’s rich cultural and historical legacy, as told through vivid portrayals of artists, crafters and designers, all selling authentic Saint Lucian paintings, pottery, clothing, jewelery, gift items, sculpture, local condiments, souvenirs and more.

From May 6 to 9, the Rodney Bay strip will come alive with artistic displays from dozens of Saint Lucia’s most acclaimed artisans. The Arts Village will be opened from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

“The Village will showcase all things local and will give festival goers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with artists, while learning and observing first-hand the extraordinary skills, talents and abilities of both aspiring and well established artisans,” said Chairman of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) Petrus Compton.

The Arts Village, which will also include “live art” demonstrations ranging from community canvas art, installation art and live body art, will be fuelled by on-the-spot entertainment, interspersed throughout the day which will feature some of the island’s best known entertainers. Activities will include traditional masquerade, fashion, performance poetry, street dancers and of course, jazz.

This year, the combination of Baywalk Jazz and J.Q. Mall’s Jazzy Rhythms will be fused into one mega show dubbed ‘Jazz on the Strip’ slated for May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Featured artistes will include Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, Michael Robinson, Kayo, Skip Monday and more.

Done in partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), the Arts Village is a must-see as part of the 2015 Jazz & Arts Festival, giving audiences a true taste of the diversity of the 11 day festival.

Now into its 24th year, the 2015 edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival runs from April 30 to May 10 and will feature a stellar line-up of performers who blend island culture, famed musical talent and diverse musical genres.

The official opening of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is slated for April 30 at the “Peoples Auditorium,” Mindoo Phillip Park.