Independent Inquiry

EDU 457 Global Field Experience (JAMAICA)

Whenever I travel anywhere (so far only within the United States) I look for art museums/galleries, local music, and any other kind of contemporary artsy scene. I think that taking the time to look at the art being created by people in a certain area is a great way to understand the surrounding culture.

The Arts

Visual Arts in Jamaica:

• Gallery of West Indian Art – 11 Fairfield Rd, Montego Bay

• Lester Art Gallery – hills above Reading, Montego Bay

• National Gallery of Jamaica – Kingston, Jamaica

• Ahh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden – Montego Bay, Jamaica *Observe artists at work and/or create your own art work (for a fee)

• Institute of Jamaica – Kingston, Jamaica

Art on the Streets!• Perhaps even more so than visiting a gallery, I will be looking for street art

(installations, performance art, graffiti, murals, and any other kind of public art)

• This kind of art is a true expression of the people. I want to know what

people are doing to step outside the box.

• I am curious about whether or not Jamaica has a “creative pulse” like I am imagining.

• Also, what kind of art is popular in Jamaica? I have read that landscape paintings are found in many galleries which is definitely appealing to me. But what else is trendy in the art world of Jamaica?

Music in the streets

• I am wondering if I am likely to see street musicians. A touristy spot like Montego Bay is likely to be a haven for

entertainers trying to make a living on the streets.

Jamaican Music Museum

(Located in Kingston)“Our exhibitions will be contextualized to highlight the social,

historic and musical value they embody: among them, instruments of famous musicians, manuscripts, personal objects and items, audio and video recordings and music

representing the ritual, folk and popular genres.”

*Is Bob Marley’s legacy as fascinating to the locals as it is to Americans?

Street Life

• I think this is where I will get the best fill of culture. Unlike any tourist attraction, to be able to see first-hand how people are living their daily lives is a great way to see the real aspects of a culture. – Local shops– Bars– Restaurants– Where locals hang out (maybe a barber shop or a pool hall…)– Cafes

*HIP STRIP

Fashion/Style

• I am curious about how people dress on the regular in Jamaica. I have a good idea about the dress code within schools, but I am wondering what people prefer to wear in more casual settings.

Language/Social Interactions

• I really want to do a lot of people watching and listening. I am interested in how these people interact with each other

• I would love to pick up on some of the Patois, but I will be able to analyze social activity more so by studying facial expressions and physical actions between people.

Health Care?

• I know it is unlikely, but if possible I would like to see what a hospital in Jamaica looks like and get some information about how their system works.

• How do hospitals/medical clinics operate and appear compared with the ones in the U.S.?

(mainly because my Mom is a nurse and she is curious…)

Friendships/Families

• I would love to make a friend/pen pal that I could converse with about their life on the island.

• Also, I hope to observe some interaction between Jamaican families. What is the average number of people in a family? what are the values? Is marriage as popular as it is here?

Reactions/Attitudes

• I am curious to see how the Jamaican people react to us. For the most part, will they be accepting and willing to share with us their thoughts and experiences on this island?

Environmental Values

• Overall, what is the take on environmental issues in Jamaica? What are their policies?

• What is the condition of the streets/parks?• Is there more/less pollution and smog than in

our country?• What are some of the native animals of this

island?

Politics

• I feel that the citizens of Jamaica are rebellious people…They have always been righteous and determined to gain their freedom. I would love to gain an insider’s perspective on some of the current issues and pick up on some of the attitudes towards government.

Farmers Market

• What kinds of food are popular in Jamaica?• Is farming a popular industry?• What kinds of fruits/vegetables grow on this

island that I have never heard of in the United States?

• A farmer’s market would also be a great opportunity to explore local arts and trade.

• What items are of high interest to these people that are unlike materials in our country?

Physical Appearance/Health

• I’m curious to see how these people maintain themselves. I already imagine that Jamaicans are much more physically inclined than most people in our country.

• What do they value in terms of diet and exercise?

• Is appearance such apriority for people (especially women) as it is in the U.S.?

Outameni Experience

• Located in Trelawny (northwest corner of Jamaica)

• “Outameni” means “come together”

“This unique attraction brings to life Jamaica's rich and colourful history and culture in a wonderful kaleidoscope of music, art, drama and film. This

highly interactive though relatively short journey- all of 90 minutes- takes you through an experience

which completely immerses you in the Jamaican story and even includes sampling traditional foods,

learning the latest dance moves!”

Resources

• http://www.jamaicans.com/• http://www.jamaicatravelandculture.com/dest

inations/trelawny/outameni.htm• http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/nig6/a/Mo

ntegoBayHipStrip.htm• http://instituteofjamaica.org.jm/