Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica and Haiti this week, causing deadly flooding and landslides before making landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. The storm hit Jamaica as one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded on the island, causing severe damage to public infrastructure, with the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties still unclear. Meanwhile, the region’s arts scene appears to be bracing for the impact.
The National Gallery of Jamaica, located on Kingston’s historic waterfront, has been closed since October 24. “Updates on reopening will be shared once conditions are safe,” a statement said.
On Facebook, the museum provided tips for artists on how to protect their work and studios before and after Hurricane Melissa made landfall. This includes assessing the work ahead of time, removing it from the wall and storing it at least three feet off the ground, covered with plastic sheeting. Artists suggest that outdoor sculptures should be securely attached to concrete beams with ropes.
“Take necessary steps to protect your art and remember to inspect each piece after a storm,” the statement added.
Founded in 1974, the National Gallery of Jamaica is the oldest and largest public museum in the self-proclaimed English-speaking Caribbean (Caribbean countries where English is the primary language). Its collection includes works of art by many of America’s leading modern and contemporary artists, much of which is on permanent exhibition. art news was contacted regarding the status of its collection but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Elsewhere in Kingston, the popular Bob Marley Museum is also closed until further notice. The museum is housed in the musician’s 19th-century home in Trench Town, Kingston, a town designated a national heritage site as “the birthplace of reggae music”. Its collections include personal artifacts, an 80-seat theater and a photo gallery.
“The winds may have shaken us, but they can never destroy our spirits,” the museum said in a statement on social media, adding, “It will take time to rebuild, but together we will rise again – stronger, more united, and full of love. We can’t wait to spread the message of peace and love with you again and do whatever we can to help. Until then, hold on to hope and remember – every little thing will be okay.”
Hurricane Melissa has killed at least 30 people in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, authorities said. Heavy rains from the storm reportedly caused a river to overflow in southern Haiti, killing at least 25 people, Jean Bertrand Subrème, mayor of Petit-Goava, told the media Associated Press Wednesday.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica a disaster area, and local media reported that the parish of St. Elizabeth was “inundated.” The Cuban capital, Havana, did not take a direct hit from Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm and is now heading toward the Bahamas.
art news Two prominent art galleries in Kingston, Olympia Gallery and Suzie Wong Presents, have been contacted for an update on their status; they had not responded at the time of publication.
