Occupational standards in dance and theatre launched

Cultural practitioners in Barbados have another avenue to validate their creative ability as the Occupational Standards for Dance Instruction, Dance Choreography and Theatre Directing was launched at a press conference at the
Courtyard by Marriott last week.

The launch featured a presentation of the new occupational standards in Dance Instruction and Choreography and Theatre Directing which was made by the Chief Executive Officer of Pinelands Creative Workshop Sophia Greaves-Broome to Education Officer in the Arts, Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Dr. Denise Charles.

Speaking at the launch Greaves-Broome explained that the development of the National Vocational Qualifications was birthed from the research conducted as part of the initiative “The Internationalisation of Community Cultural Performance Arts Products and Services as a Component of a Vibrant National Cultural Industry In 2016” supported by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development.

The research coming out of that project informed the design of the Youth Beyond-Expectations- Cultural Development Programme which was funded by The Maria Holder Memorial Trust in 2017 who bought into the vision of the project and the organisation as well as the envisioned social and cultural value and the potential national impact the project would have.

“This is a major milestone in the history for Pinelands Creative Workshop. This launch marks the finish line of at least three to four years in developing these standards.

“Furthermore, the development of standards by a non-governmental organisation is also a first and more importantly, by an institution that truly believes in maintaining standards to ensure excellence in whatever we do.

“The starting point was in 2016, out of our own critical analysis within the organisation and further research coming out of the initiative support through the HRD strategy gave PCW the opportunity to look closely at the creative sector.

“The findings highlighted the need for movement towards greater professionalisation in the sector in order to meet global standards that would allow for exportation and internationalisation of cultural products and services.

“During that research process a national scan was conducted with the goal of creating a directory of community groups that produce indigenous products and services and a training manual that gave attention to methodologies and strategies for the improvement of standards for local and export markets.

“Essentially the research gave us good insight into how we can move the creative sector including PCW, into a more professionalised state,” she said.

Greaves-Broome said the research provided guidance and served as a driver in the development of the Youth Beyond Expectations – Cultural Development Programme in 2017 supported by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust which gave attention to institutional strengthening and capacity building.

As a result of that focus, the organisation was able to engage The Technical & Vocational Education and Training Council (TVET Council) to develop three (3) standards – Dance Instruction (Level 2), Dance Choreography (Level 3) and Theatre Directing (Level 4).

In addition, the support from the Maria Holder Memorial Trust also allowed for training of level 4 assessors and the attainment of centre approval with qualification approval in progress.

“The material that we would have pulled together to create the standards, drawn from international best practices with some adaptations to the local environment.

The standards that have been developed allows students, knowledge bearers and practitioners of the cultural sector to have certification options and to be able to move to a professional level without having to stick within the normal confines of the traditional institutions as these standards are based on competency and experience,” she said.

Manager of Technical Services with the TVET Council, Wendy McClean said that the partnership with Pinelands Creative Workshop on the operational standards allows for the professionalisation of the sector.

“The relationship for the development of these operational standards started back in 2018 at the introductory meeting with Mrs. Sophia Greaves-Broome and Mr. Rodney Grant and the TVET Council team.

“There was a vision for the continued development of the creative sector throughout the use of occupational standards for training, assessment, and certification to give value to the experienced practitioners without formal certification and for training against consistent standards of practice for learners.

“The partnership between TVET Council and Pinelands Creative Workshop allows for the development of these occupational standards and the training of a cadre of accessors,” she said.

Some of Pinelands Creative Workshop’s top practitioners have been trained to become accessors. Greaves-Broome outlined that on the eve of the International Day of Dance, having these occupational standards in dance, choreography and theatre was timely.

“I think it is fitting to speak of these standards and bring them to the table to be shared with our students, society, and cultural practitioners so that they can have another option in terms of their certification and professionalisation. For Pinelands Creative Workshop which is not only a cultural but development organisation, this is not the stopping point as there is a lot more to be researched and documented.Research and documentation remains important to us as it allows us to be able to pivot in an ever-changing environment.

“Research allows us to maintain a high level of authenticity, and at the same time our relevance, who we are, and competitive advantage,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Pinelands Creative Workshop said that her organisation was seeking to continue the relationship with TVET Council as they continue to find ways to bridge the gaps in the cultural, educational, and vocational sectors in Barbados.

(Write Right PR Services)