By Astha Prendergast
Copyright jis
The One Nation, New Symbols Exhibition is now open at the National Gallery of Jamaica, located at 12 Ocean Boulevard, downtown Kingston.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, described the opening as a celebration of Jamaica’s evolving story and a reminder of the central role of the arts in national identity.
“It is always a joy to be here at the National Gallery of Jamaica, where the creative spirit of our people is alive in every room, every wall, and every work of art,” Minister Grange said at the opening of the exhibition on Sunday (September 28).
“Today, we open One Nation, New Symbols, an exhibition that reminds us that Jamaica’s story is still being written, reimagined and renewed by the vision and imagination of our artists,” she added.
The Minister noted that the works of the 46 participating artists “challenge us, inspire us, and remind us that art is never just decoration”.
Turning her remarks directly to members of the creative community, Ms. Grange encouraged artists to take advantage of the Jamaica Entertainment and Creative Practitioners Insurance Plan.
“Creative people, sometimes they make good money, but sometimes the season is dry… . It was important to us to ensure that your welfare was taken into consideration and your well-being. And so, we introduced the Jamaica Entertainment and Creative Practitioners Insurance Plan… which covers life, accident, and health,” she said.
The Minister pointed out that $55 million was allocated in this year’s Budget to support the plan, the only one of its kind in the region for creative practitioners.
“I want to encourage all of you who have not yet signed up, sign up to the e-registry at the Ministry and prepare, complete your application to be covered under this insurance plan. You’re covered even if you’re overseas. And it is important that you make use of it,” Ms. Grange said.
Meanwhile, the Minister commended the National Gallery of Jamaica and the Institute of Jamaica for curating “such an inclusive platform, one that welcomes artists from home and abroad, from emerging voices to established masters”.
“This openness reflects the truth of Jamaica itself, diverse, dynamic, and always evolving,” the Minister said.
Inviting members of the public to attend, Ms. Grange encouraged Jamaicans to share in the experience.
“I invite every Jamaican to come and experience this exhibition. Bring your families. Bring your students. Bring your friends. Let it spark conversations. Let it deepen your pride. Let it remind you that though our symbols may change, the spirit of Jamaica, as one people out of many, remains constant and unbreakable,” she said.
The Minister congratulated the participating artists as well as the team at the National Gallery of Jamaica, adding: “May this exhibition inspire us all to reimagine our symbols and to see Jamaica with fresh eyes and renewed hope.”
The One Nation, New Symbols exhibition features 46 artists and 55 works of art and runs at the National Gallery of Jamaica until March 29, 2026.
