WHAT WE DO

Manifesto Jamaica is a home-grown, non-profit, educational organisation that leverages arts and culture to help young people become the best version of themselves imaginable. By ‘arts’, we mean — expressions of human creativity in all fields. And by ‘culture’, we mean — the collective manifestation of Jamaica’s moral, intellectual and artistic achievements.

Initiatives we’ve implemented over the years include:

  • Community-oriented/school-based consultations, training workshops and events that prioritise visioning, esteem-building and essential, adaptive 21st-century skills. 
  • Beautification of public spaces with bespoke works of art. 
  • Diverse opportunities for local, national and international showcasing of talent. 
  • Career development guidance and employment facilitation. 
  • Support for research on the impact and efficacy of arts-based initiatives on youth and communities. 
  • Promoting the recognition of arts and culture as predominant drivers of social and economic development. 

Our program of activities is project-based and network-driven by confident nation builders and global citizens committed to harnessing the power of art to heal, transform and inspire. The specific content we deliver varies according to the creative passions of current participants, but our formula is consistent: EDUCATE, EXPOSE, EMPOWER. 

We EDUCATE by cultivating soft skills and nurturing creative and entrepreneurial talents of participants.

We EXPOSE by enabling participants access to local, national and international platforms to showcase their talent. 

And we EMPOWER by connecting participants to our extensive network of trailblazing professionals. 

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MISSION & VISION

Manifesto Jamaica’s mission is to develop and attract opportunities for young people that inspire creativity, productivity and elevated consciousness, by harnessing the talents of nation builders. 

We envision a world where art and creativity are universally recognized for their power to transcend barriers, build community and inspire ingenuity. At the heart of everything we do is a desire to alleviate apathy, poverty and social exclusion.

SINCE 2010…
50
Artists Showcased
20
Internships Created
7000000
Paid to Artists & Young People
50
Events Produced
200
Youth Impacted per year
100
Employment Opportunities Created
500
Volunteer Experiences Created
1
Nation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
1

HISTORY

Coinciding with the catastrophic Tivoli Gardens Incursion in 2010, Manifesto Jamaica’s inception was spearheaded by a collective of young creators who were agitated by: the Philosophies and Opinions of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, the harmonising power of culture and creativity, and the possibility of manifesting the lives and careers their hearts desired.They were determined to defy the ‘starving artist’ mentality. So, they combined their superpowers to organise multi-disciplinary arts workshops, festivals and other events that propelled a rising wave of performing artists and creative professionals, many of whom are well established practitioners today.

Our domestic and international network continues to evolve; including artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and nation builders around the world, committed to harnessing the power of art and creativity to heal, transform and inspire.

REGIONS

Manifesto Toronto

Manifesto Toronto is a sister organisation to Manifesto Jamaica. The organisations are independently run, and our mandates differ to the extent that Manifesto Jamaica actively seeks creative impact in and beyond areas traditionally regarded as the arts, so as to meet fundamental needs that exist in Jamaica’s social context. The alliance emerged out of conversations between our respective Founders, who anticipated (correctly) that a common name would be advantageous for collaborative efforts.

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