Cultural Emergency Response is facilitating the reopening of the National Gallery of Jamaica in Kingston that suffered considerable water damage in the wake of Hurricane Ivan. 15,660 euro will go towards replacing and repairing carpeting and parquet flooring. Work has begun and the National Gallery was able to welcome the first visitors to the opening of the local art biennial on 12 December 2004.
On the night of 10-11 September 2004, Jamaica was struck by Hurricane Ivan. The National Gallery, the only museum of art on the island, situated in the Kingston Waterfront district, suffered extensive water damage. Fortunately, the collections could be moved to a safe place in time. But the floors were severely damaged and the high levels of humidity meant that the collections were in danger of mould.
The Gallery has a collection of more than 2,000 items ranging from artworks to historical and scientific objects. The permanent presentation exhibits Jamaican art from pre-Columbian times to the present day. The Gallery also organises temporary exhibitions including retrospectives of artists and thematic exhibitions, and hosts exhibitions of other museums, primarily from Latin America, North America and Europe. The visitors are predominantly Jamaican. The exhibitions and library are visited by many schoolchildren and students. Unfortunately, most tourists and foreign visitors don't dare to venture to downtown Kingston.
Until 12 March, the Gallery is presenting the local biennial of contemporary art - a much sought-after opportunity for well-known and promising Jamaican artists to exhibit their work. The Gallery expected the biennial to attract a good number of visitors. Thanks to the rapid start made on the repair work, the biennial was able to open on 12 December as planned.
The repairs are being carried out by the National Gallery and local companies. The National Gallery hopes that CER's support will also make Jamaicans more aware of the cultural and social value of the Gallery.
The damaged floor of the National Gallery in Kingston, Jamaica, 2004. Photo: The National Gallery in Kingston
CER provides emergency relief for cultural heritages that have been affected by man-made or natural disasters.
Cultural Emergency Response
Prince Claus Fund
Hoge Nieuwstraat 30
2514 EL The Hague
Tel. 31 (0)70 4274303
Fax 31 (0)70 4274277
E-mail cer@princeclausfund.nl
www.princeclausfund.nl
