Sport: Jamaica Steps Toward Sports Museum

The Honourable Olivia Grange (below, 2nd right), Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport says the Ministry’s two-day workshop on Textile Conservation and

Preservation which opened today at the Knutsford Court Hotel is part of the preparations for the establishment of the National Sport Museum.

Minister Grange told the workshop participants drawn from museums in Jamaica and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts that, “We are ensuring that the skill set is in place and that we promote the thrust of a museum as being dynamic, being a contributor to our economic development and wealth creation at all levels.

“Preservation of our culture and heritage has an important economic dimension which we must acknowledge and give more attention to. This is a matter of national development and is vital for our cultural tourism product. For us, it provides the opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of Brand Jamaica.“We have an extensive list of artefacts and memorabilia and we want to be sure that they are well protected. For those who have already donated items we appreciate your generosity. We want to use this opportunity to assure you that we intend to safeguard and protect these artefacts and memorabilia.”

 At the start of the workshop, Miss Grange handed over a number of items donated to the soon to be established National Sport Museum to the Institute of Jamaica for safe keeping. Miss Grange also presented them with special archival storage boxes.

Today’s first day of the workshop being led by Janice Smith, Sport Museum Consultant from Canada, featured a demonstration of wet cleaning of textiles, which involved stain removal.

Tomorrow’s (January 18) final day will include sessions on Storage Solutions for Textiles and Costumes,Exhibiting Textiles and Costumes and Display Techniques during which participants will learn display techniques for costumes and textiles and will transform a flat table into an “appealing” display.

Minister Grange noted Janice Smith had been working with the Ministry on the Jamaica National Sport Museum Strategic Development Plan and was back to share her extensive expertise on textile conservation and preservation.