Grammy-nominated Mortimer headlines Artwalk Festival

The Gran’ Market Artwalk, curated by Kingston Creative, is set to transform Water Lane and Church Street into the ultimate celebration of culture, commerce, and community.

Scheduled for next Sunday, December 21, the free public arts festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is set to showcase the best of local Jamaican creativity, encouraging critical support for artisans and entrepreneurs during the holiday season.

The day promises an explosive mix of entertainment and interactive experiences, headlined by a live set from Grammy-nominated artiste, Mortimer. The reggae artiste recently received his first Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for his 2024 album, From Within.

Festival-goers can browse unique goods and complete their Christmas shopping in the Shopping Village filled with local artisans and vendors, explore the bustling Food Court, and enjoy live musical acts and traditional Jonkonnu performances throughout the day.

Adventure-seekers can also visit the Jamaica Skate Culture Foundation’s Mobile Skate Park to watch pros in action or learn how to skateboard themselves, while the more culturally curious can join the Dedicated Mural and Walking Tours.

The event’s significance extends beyond entertainment, serving as a vital platform for the creative economy. “The Kingston Creative Artwalk Festival’s Gran’ Market edition exemplifies why Kingston earned its UNESCO Creative City of Music designation,” Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett was quoted in a press release.

“Events like Gran’ Market demonstrate our commitment to sustainable cultural tourism that benefits both visitors and the communities at the heart of our creative economy,” Bartlett added.

Sponsors of the event are the Jamaica Tourist Board, The Tourism Enhancement Fund, Main Events, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation, Catherine’s Peak, Great Wall Motors and Stewarts Automotive Group.

Corporate partners are actively participating in the festival’s mission. A representative from Great Wall Motors (GWM) Jamaica stated, “Through our ‘Hello Tomorrow’ Christmas campaign, we’re highlighting the innovation and future-forward design that continue to drive strong demand for the GWM brand. Alongside our hurricane relief initiatives supporting communities across Jamaica, our participation reflects GWM’s commitment to both service and progress.”