CARIBBEAN HERITAGE SUMMER WORKSHOP SERIES
ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY
The Caribbean Heritage Summer Workshops Series (SWS)- Arts in the Community organized by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. (GCA) are educational programs designed to celebrate and preserve Guyanese/Caribbean cultural heritage while providing learning opportunities for participants, especially youth and families in the community. These workshops offer a range of activities aimed at promoting understanding and appreciation of Guyanese/Caribbean traditions, history, science, arts, and crafts. Workshops are offered during the summer and fall spring
The Caribbean Heritage Summer Workshop Series- Arts in Community features:
- Cultural and Educational Workshops: Hands-on workshops focus on various aspects of Guyanese/Caribbean culture and heritage, such as traditional music, dance, storytelling, cooking, folk art, history and crafts. Participants have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and practitioners, gaining insight into the rich cultural heritage of Guyana and the Caribbean. These sessions aim to deepen participants’ understanding of the regions divers cultural landscape and foster pride in their heritage.
- Performances and Demonstrations: Live performances, demonstrations and showcases features traditional music, dance, drama, and other performing arts. These events provide cultural enrichment and entertainment for workshop participants and the broader community.
- Arts and Craft Projects: Artistic activities and craft projects inspired by Guyanese/Caribbean culture allows participants to create their own works of art using traditional techniques and materials. These hands-on activities encourage creativity and artistic expression while fostering appreciation for craftsmanship.
- Outdoors and extended classroom activities: Program related activities involving the city as classroom follow strict guidelines Participants are offered firsthand experiences and opportunities for exploration, discovery and growth.
- Community Engagement: The Caribbean Heritage Summer Workshops -Arts in the Community Workshops promote community engagement and collaboration, bringing together individuals and families from diverse backgrounds to learn, share, and celebrate Guyanese/Caribbean culture. Participants have the opportunity to connect with others who share a common interest in preserving and promoting their heritage.
Caribbean Heritage Summer Workshop Series- Arts in the Community programs provide valuable opportunities for cultural education, enrichment, and community building, serving as a platform for preserving and passing on Guyanese/Caribbean traditions to future generations.
A Summer of fun and Learning!
GCA had another exciting year of celebration!
The SWS Theme Song
We are the kids of GCA you know’
We came to learn and play and grow
We want to be the best that we can be…..
From singing songs to playing games
Having fun all through the day
We want to be the best that we can be
GCA….GCA! Yes it’s GCA……GCA
GCA , the best that we can be. GCA!
SWS 2024
SWS Beyond...
A look back at past years programming
On SWS 2023
The Guyana Cultural Association hosted it’s 14th Caribbean Heritage Summer Workshop Series for six weeks which commenced on July 5 and concluded on August 11,2023 at the St. Stephens Church Auditorium under the theme “CARICOM @50: Recognizing and celebrating its New York Roots”. The six weeks workshop series was carefully and thoughtfully planned out and implemented to ensure a safe, fun and creative experience for all those who participated. An enjoyable and exciting Six 6 week was had with activities that delved into their artistic and creative side. Those activities included Arts and Craft, Dance, Drama, Music as well as Etiquette and much more as well as a daily round up of CARICOM and its Member States.
Snapshots of the Summer 2023
SWS Journal 2023
Snapshots of the Summer 2022
GCA goes Hybrid for the year 2021!
The Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. (GCA) Summer Heritage Workshop Series (SWS) maintain its initial vision and mission as it continues to serve the children of the New York community.
For the thirteenth successive year GCA will host its annual Summer Heritage Workshop Series, subtitled Arts in the Community from July 5th to August 13. A grand Registration Drive and BBQ will kick off the six week series of workshops, with intensives in Music, Dance, Arts and Crafts, STEAM, Poetry and Storytelling. GCA Youth Interns will again operate the Zoom platform and provide support for our in-person resource personnel.
In 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic tested our resolve, demonstrated our nimbleness, and reaffirmed our commitment to the building of community through the study and celebration of Guyanese heritage and creativity. The year 2020 demanded that we respond to the changed environment by pivoting to a virtual platform. Our response was our first Virtual Summer Heritage Workshop Series . Based on feedback, it was well received. Going virtual with the Summer Heritage Workshop Series (SWS) in 2020 demanded the development of a new curriculum. However, it widened the pool of participants to children in Guyana, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
A HYBRID PROGRAM
In 2021, the Summer Heritage Workshop Series will be a Hybrid program with the in-person sessions providing an opportunity for kids to escape their everyday routine after a year of learning on-line and staring at computer screens. To engage kids and attract them to our summer workshop, we have gotten creative to provide a captivating experience for the children who are there in person or virtually. The Workshop will be zoomed to children in Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other parts of the Diaspora.
STREAMING TO GUYANA
This year, sponsors are supportive of GCA’s bold move to include children from the St. Ann’s Orphanage and Joshua House in this year’s Summer Workshop Series. With the financial support of sponsors: Tony Kissoon, Dr. Lear Matthews, The Bishops’ High School New York Tri State Chapter, John Fernandes Ltd., Edward Isaacs, Crayola, Mildred Lowe & family, Sybil Chester and sisters Sheila Clarke and Claudette Griffith, all materials and snacks will be donated to the 2 orphanages for the 6-weeks sessions.
FOLLOWING ALL CDC COVID PROTOCOLS
GCA/SWS remain committed to supporting the health and safety of our families and will be following all CDC guidance to give parents peace of mind while their children are with us.
Summer Heritage Workshop 2019
Workshops Overview
POETRY & PROSE WORKSHOP:
In this reading and writing session students will investigate their own heritage and culture as they answer the questions: What is your name? Who are you? How do you describe your neighborhood? Responses use both prose and poetry.
Storytelling: Students will be instructed in the art of telling the story. In some case students will use their efforts from the session on prose and poetry to develop the expression of the narrative.
MEDIA COMMUNICATION:
This workshop emphasizes the use of the camera and of print to document the process of investigating participants’ heritage during this series. Activity is spread through the series.
PUBLISHING WORKSHOP:
In this workshop students will be given basic instruction in the steps of publishing. The records produced used during previous sessions will form a resource for this documentation.
DANCE WORKSHOP:
In this workshop students will be introduced to basic steps and forms of the dance. Concentration and practice will be on the style of the Caribbean and the Diaspora.
ART WORKSHOP: Including Mask Making
This session will comprise of an exhibition of current art forms and the use by students of use different media.
MUSIC:
Drumming: This hands on session will emphasize the art of drumming
Music Literacy: Music/Singing – Basic Musical notation – voice control – and steps in piano playing.
Steel Pan: This session will introduce students to the history and dynamics of the steel pan. Students will be encouraged to learn simple tunes.
Song: The music art of the folksong: Students will learn songs relative to the Caribbean.
TOYS/KITES/GAMES:
LITERACY:
Each workshop has a reading-writing component in addition to practice.
AUTHOR VISITS:
LATE PICK-UP & EARLY DROP OFF:
Separate fee based arrangements at a local child care service may be made for those campers arriving early and leaving late.
MATERIALS:
Each student will be provided with all materials for workshops and a tee shirt.
AGE GROUP:
The series is aimed at children and youth from 5 to 12 years old.
HEALTH:
There is a qualified nurse available.