BimROCK Magazine Issue #2 New Beginnings | Page 24
The
ISRAEL LOVELL
Photos on this page: The National Cultural Foundation.
O
N MY LORD’S HILL MAIN ROAD STANDS AN
IMPOSING GREEN TWO-STORY BUILDING; IT IS THE
HOME OF THE ISRAEL LOVELL FOUNDATION.
Music spills out on to the busy front street. African
drumming, bells and Caribbean rhythms, steel pan
and the occasional sound system blaring party tunes.
The foundation is the cultural heartbeat of this urban
St. Michael district.
The Israel Lovell Foundation has occupied this spot
for a generation. Founded in 1990 the organization
came about in response to the cries of the surrounding
community. It was an answer to concerns that the
children of that area needed constructive activities.
24 | BIM ROCK | CULTURE ROCKs
“We work with young people through dance…the
arts, theatre and music,” says programme director for
the foundation, Cheryl Hunte. She has been with the
organization since its inception. Twenty-five years
later she is affectionately called upon as Muda Hunt.
The roster of the Foundation is extensive. Stilt
walking classes, Tuk and Landship workshops,
academic prep classes for the 11+ and CXC exams.
Lectures, film screenings, games nights, and
extensive out reach programs to seniors and the
underprivileged keep Muda Hunte and her team
chipping.
foundation
Words and Photography: Rachelle Gray
CULTURE ROCKs | BIM ROCK | 25