Rebel Soul, promoters of the Positive Vibration Festival of Reggae, collaborated with the International Reggae Poster Contest (IRPC) to organise the 18th successful “Art of Reggae” exhibition which opened in the city of Liverpool, UK on June 7, 2017. The Constellations Gallery and Arts Council England also supported the staging of this distinctive exhibition which features the top 100 posters in the 5th International Reggae Poster Contest.
There was a huge gathering of art and reggae enthusiasts at the Gallery who certainly appreciated the global range of the amazing posters. Mark Ross, the head of sound and build of Positive Vibration, opened the exhibition, followed by Dane Thompson, son of the late Michael “Freestylee” Thompson, co-organizer of the contest. Maria Papaefstathiou, co-organizer, spoke about the contest and its impact on the world. High Commissioner of Jamaica to the United Kingdom Mr Seth Ramocan, who attended the exhibition with his wife Dr Lola Ramocan, highlighted the importance of reggae which has taken Jamaican culture around the world. Dub poet Levi Tafari followed, performing some of his powerful works.
The opening also included a silent auction that will run throughout the exhibition (9th July), to support the Alpha Boys School in Kingston, Jamaica. We thank everyone who helped to make this an outstanding exhibition in the UK! Special thanks to Rory Taylor, festival director, Collen Chandler, assistant festival director/artist liaison, James Kirkham and Mark Ross for their devotion and love! The Positive Vibration Festival has taken a big step up this year, celebrating the visual art and powerful sounds of Jamaican culture in all its diversity. Congratulations to everyone!
