The Salem Community Development Group presents XCD$500.00 cheque to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory
The Salem Community Development Group presented the Montserrat Volcano Observatory with a cheque for XCD$500.00, as a contribution and a show of appreciation for the creation of the ‘Hello Salem City’ mural.
The Salem mural was one of several murals commissioned across Montserrat by the MVO as part of the Curating Crises Project geared at increasing volcanic risk awareness and promote Montserrat’s rich history, culture and environment.
The mural pays tribute to the village of Salem and the traditions and institutions that shaped and continue to make the people and village great! From the delicious bread of Walkinshaw, to the many talented musicians and artists, to the beloved Salem Primary School!
During a time of uncertainty, the people of Salem used various forms of arts to tell the stories and express the emotions of the Salem and Montserrat community. A tradition that still exists, with Montserrat having many talented local artists, as has been highlighted by the Curating Crises Project.
While the ’95 volcanic crises impacted Salem and changed the village in many ways, it’s original essence remains and is celebrated through the capsulation of its history and culture on the wall of the Walkinshaw Building.
President of the group Ms. Barbra Bass said that the mural helps to tell the story of Salem City and that the group was proud to see the history of Salem City depicted in a beautiful artform.
The design was developed in collaboration with the Salem Community Development Group, by the creative team of The Goodness Tour. Several local artists assisted with the painting.
The “Curating Crises” project is led by Professor Jenni Barclay of the University of East Anglia, in collaboration with University of Oxford, The Royal Society, The National Archives, The Seismic Research Center and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory.
The research project, explores the impacts of colonialism on the creation and sharing of the scientific knowledge in response to volcanic crises in the Eastern Caribbean; focusing on several volcanic and/or seismic crises in several places, particularly St. Vincent, Dominica and Montserrat and is funded through the UK Research & Innovation department ‘Hidden Stories’ research grant.
Using roughly a similar approach as the MVO did with the Mountain Aglow project at the primary schools, the Curating Crises project utilized several artistic/scientific activities, such as mural painting and film-making to impact our community through increasing volcanic risk awareness and bringing to the forefront our rich history, environment and culture.
Feature Pictured: MVO Representative Dr Karen Pascal and Salem Development Group President Ms. Barbra Bass
