Guyana Folk Festival marks 23rd anniversary: Seeking volunteers for Summer Workshop Series!
The Guyana Cultural Association, the umbrella organization of the Annual Folk Festival in Brooklyn, is calling for volunteers for its July 8 – Aug. 16, Summer Workshop Series, to kick-off its 2024 season, that will include several events in the borough.
President, Ave Brewster Haynes told Caribbean Life recently, that as the organization prepares for another exciting folk festival season, the group is reaching out for volunteers.
“We are reaching out to extend an invitation for your participation as volunteers. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication would greatly contribute to the success of our upcoming programs.”
“Our Summer Workshop Series (SWS) serves as a pivotal platform for nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and building lifelong skills. With your support, we can enhance the quality of our offerings and provide an enriching experience for all participants,” she said.
The upcoming 23rd anniversary of the festival promises an exhilarating array of events, including the vibrant Kwe Kwe display, enlightening symposium sessions, and the prestigious awards ceremony. Culminating in a joyous family fun day, the festival will ignite with a kaleidoscope of cultural dance and music. Volunteers play a pivotal role in this celebration, with opportunities spanning from guiding workshops to providing crucial support in administrative duties and ensuring the safety and happiness of all participants.
A summer series camper shows off her artwork at a previous Summer Series Workshop in Canarsie Park, Brooklyn as part of the Guyana Folk Festival calendar of events. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
She said areas of volunteerism include, arts and craft, performing arts, music, STEM, drama, photography, video, film, finance, and basic nurturing functions. “Your involvement, whether for a few hours or multiple days, will make a significant difference in the lives of our youth participants and the overall success of the program scheduled,” said Haynes.
The series will run from, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday-Friday at St. Stephens Auditorium, 2806 Newkirk Ave., Brooklyn.
“Your commitment to our mission is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your consideration of this opportunity,” said Haynes.
Persons who are interested in volunteering or have any questions, she said should not hesitate to reach out to Cultural Director Clive Prowell, at 631-829-8341 or Asst. Secretary Shauna Parker-Harding at 347-889-4934 or GCA’s main line 800-774-5762.
If supporters are unable to donate their time and talent the group would gladly accept donations via Zelle to GuyanaCulturalAssocNY@gmail.com or checks mailed to GCA 884 East 95th Street Brooklyn NY 11236.”
“Thank you so much for your continued support and dedication to Guyana Cultural Association of NY Inc. Together, we can make this year’s Folk Festival season unforgettable for our participants, as we celebrate the life and legacy of our founding Cultural Director and Executive Director, the late Claire Ann Goring, M.S.,” said Haynes.
Goring Ann Goring, Guyana’s Cultural Ambassador, who transitioned earlier this year, left an indelible, lasting mark on the cultural landscape of Guyana, and the US.
