Kingston On The Edge Schedule

Background to KOTE

KOTE is the largest Studio & Performing Arts festival in the English-speaking
Caribbean.

Kingston On the Edge Urban Art Festival is the brainchild of five young art enthusiasts and friends who wanted to showcase Jamaican artists in a non-commercial manner. It is a celebration of art and the artists who live, work and/or are inspired by Kingston.

More than 100 artists and performers, from as afar as Georgia and Brazil, have participated. Beginning near the summer solstice, the capital’s parks, galleries, restaurants, bars, even the city’s synagogue are among a plethora of venues that transform the largest English speaking city south of Miami into the art capital of the Caribbean.

The Festival features both Studio and Performing Arts by encompassing painting, sculpture, installation art, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, furniture design, graphic design, photography, film, animation, poetry, dance, theater, live music and anything else the artist can conceptualize.

KOTE’s environment motivates and inspires the artist to experiment with their craft often leading to the birth of new and exciting movements in the local scene. KOTE provides a great opportunity for artists, both new and established, to share their ideas with each other and the general public. Additionally, the Festival’s stated raison d’etre- the “edge” of its title- encourages all involved to venture out of their “comfort zones”.

Another great artistic benefit of the Festival has been the new and exciting cross-pollination which has been evident in the festivals first two editions. By bringing very different artists, media and spaces together, KOTE has encouraged a new multi-disciplinary focus in the Kingston art-world.

Contributed by KOTE.