GREEN READINGS

GREEN READINGS is an annual eco-literary event that ArtsEtc began in 2008 after a request from the Ministry of the Environment, which was seeking fresh ways to promote its public message.

The themed readings typically featured six Barbadian writers over two weekends in June (Environment Month) at outdoor locations. The 2013 Green Readings, pictured here, was staged at Queen’s Park in Bridgetown and on the Boardwalk in Hastings, Christ Church.

A special edition of Green Readings was held June 25, 2016, under totally agreeable skies on the steps of the Barbados Arts Council in Pelican Village on the outskirts of Bridgetown. Staged as part of Barbados' 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations, GR16's dual themes were "Living Sustainably" and "Barbados, 50 Forward."

After a hiatus partly spent working on other projects including the staging of the Bim Literary Festival, ArtsEtc intends to resume the popular annual gatherings soon—expanding the stage to broaden its environmental messaging.

A component of the Readings is to engage not only literary artists but other creatives across the spectrum—and that includes visual artists, photographers and videographers. Each year, a different one is invited to capture the event for us in his or her own way—to tell a green story through their lens or brush. Terris Scott was official photographer and Shakeel Clarke visual artist for GR16. Russell Watson of RSTUDIO did the honours for GR13 while the videographer for GR12 was filmmaker Esther Jones. Watch her vid above or click here.

You can also check here or our old blogspot, Stage Right, Stage Left, for background on ArtsEtc’s Green Readings and to learn more about the groundbreaking accompanying publication Green Readings, Barbados: The First Five Years [2008-2012] (AE Books 2012). 

Look forward to seeing you in a green and open space soon!