An insightful interview with Cemal Copland, by Sophia Phillip
The Spotlight Initiative Grenada’s Junior Communications Consultant interviews Cemal Copland, Advisor to the Writers Association of Grenada (WAG), discussing the association’s revival and its mission to combat pressing social issues, including Family Violence and Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Since 2012, WAG has been fostering artistic expression and raising social consciousness through its annual stage production, Voices. This event features writers, poets, musicians, and artists who address critical social concerns. The conversation takes place in the wake of WAG’s recent success in securing a US$5,000 grant from UN Women through the Grenada Spotlight Initiative to further WAG’s initiatives.
Q: Can you share the core mission and vision of the Writers Association of Grenada, particularly in relation to the Voices Series?
Copland: Absolutely! The Writers Association of Grenada is dedicated to providing a creative space for individuals to express themselves while addressing pertinent societal challenges. The Voices Series, in particular, endeavours to challenge prevalent stereotypes surrounding poetry by showcasing its relevance and influence through various artistic mediums. Our overarching objective is to instill a culture of activism and advocacy, empowering our community to boldly confront social injustices.
Q: How has the Voices Series evolved over the years, and what impact has it had on the Grenadian community?
Copland: Voices has evolved into a dynamic force, transcending its role as a mere artistic platform and evolving into a catalyst for meaningful social change. While poetry was once deemed a fading tradition in Grenada, Voices has successfully reignited an appreciation for it within the community. This initiative has not only fostered unity among diverse communities but has also provided an inclusive space for individuals to engage with and address pertinent social issues. The incorporation of various art forms has amplified its appeal, resonating deeply with a diverse audience. Our last Voices production was in 2019 and we aim to revive it this year.
Q: Could you tell us about the upcoming Voices production and its focus on VAWG?
Copland: We are excited to be working with the Ministry of Youth, with support from the Spotlight Initiative for this year’s Voices production; it’s called Voices United. It is dedicated to raising awareness against violence targeted at women and girls. Our choice of theme aligns seamlessly with our commitment to addressing critical social challenges. We have put out a casting call across various creative disciplines to participate in this significant event. The physical casting, scheduled for 28 October at the Grenada National Museum, will mark the inception of our journey towards a compelling production slated for December.
Q: How can individuals submit their creative pieces?
Copland: The casting call is open to all individuals passionate about using their creative talents to advocate for social change. Writers, poets, musicians, artists, and performers are encouraged to submit their pieces and performances related to the theme VAWG, to [email protected]. Voices welcome diverse perspectives and creative expressions, aiming to create a powerful and impactful production that amplifies the voices of those affected by these critical social issues. We are eagerly anticipating the contributions that will shape this meaningful event and we encourage creatives to register with us at www.tinyurl.com/vu473 to facilitate future communication and interaction.
Q: How do you anticipate the use of creative arts will influence the community’s perception and response to social issues like gender-based violence?
Copland: Creative arts, as channelled through Voices, possess a unique ability to evoke raw and profound emotions within individuals. By embracing this unconventional approach, we aim to foster introspection and deepen the community’s understanding of the pervasive impact of violence within our society. Through emotional engagement, we aspire to instigate empathy and solidarity, spurring our audience to reflect on and actively address the prevalent issues within their immediate surroundings.
Q: How do you envision the role of art and poetry in transcending barriers and fostering societal change, particularly in the context of the Grenadian community?
Copland: Art and poetry, as evidenced through Voices, hold the capacity to transcend conventional barriers, including those posed by educational and socioeconomic constraints. This inclusive nature enables us to reach a broader audience and ignite conversations that might not typically transpire within traditional settings. Furthermore, in the digital era, we can document and share these impactful performances, ensuring that our message reverberates far beyond the immediate confines of our community, sparking transformative conversations on a global scale.
Spotlight Initiative