Kingston Creative and Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club to Unveil New Mural at Sam Sharpe Square

Kingston Creative, in partnership with the Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club, officially hosted the grand unveiling of “Crafting Culture,” a stunning new large-scale mural erected at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in Sam Sharpe Square.

As the third mural commissioned from Kingston Creative to support Montego Bay’s public art landscape, the “Crafting Culture” mural was designed and executed by lead muralist Anthony ‘Taoszen’ Smith, with support from muralist Joel Cameron. 

Speaking on his vision for the piece, lead muralist Anthony “Taoszen” Smith eloquently stated, “We often celebrate musicians and athletes as ambassadors of Jamaica, yet there exists another class of cultural workers whose names are rarely remembered. They carve, weave, stitch, bead, paint, and shape the objects that leave our shores in suitcases and end up on shelves around the world. This mural is a tribute to those quiet custodians of Jamaican identity – our artisans whose work preserves culture not only in books or monuments, but in objects people can touch, carry, and live alongside. As I continue to celebrate Jamaica’s culture through my work, I want to ensure that our craft and tangible heritage maintain its seat at the table.” Smith is a prominent Jamaican fine artist and muralist known for large-scale public art across the Caribbean and internationally.

The mural celebrates the rich heritage, creativity, and spirit of Western Jamaica, and is designed to further highlight Montego Bay as a premier cultural destination where visitors can go beyond the sun and sand experience to immerse themselves in the living culture, art, history, and community spirit that make the city a place felt, not just seen.  The partnership underscores a deliberate investment in Jamaica’s creative economy, a global sector valued at over US$2 trillion. As public art continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping cultural destinations, Crafting Culture reflects a broader vision for Montego Bay, one where creativity is recognised as both a cultural asset and an economic driver.

“Public art is a way to tell our story and connect with Jamaicans, the Diaspora, and the visitors to our island who come from across the world,” commented Andrea Dempster Chung, Executive Director of Kingston Creative. “Over the past year, we have been working to grow Kingston Creative’s partnership with the City of Montego Bay, and this third mural in Montego Bay, the upcoming Arts festival on August 30th and the financial support we offer to creatives post-Melissa are proof that we are well on our way to strengthening and amplifying the voices of western creatives. We are proud to stand with the creative community as they put their mark on Montego Bay for generations to come.“

Highlighting the importance of community partnerships and sponsorship in promoting local art, Mrs Kathryn Pinto May,  remarked, “This mural – Crafting Culture – represents the third in a series of what we intend will become an Art Walk in the centre of the city. The murals, coupled with the beautiful architectural icons of the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, the St James Parish Church, along with the pedestrianised areas of Sam Sharpe Square and Market Street, represent an expanding cultural corridor that we believe will not only beautify our city centre, but draw visitors, support local business, and give Montego Bay a renewed sense of civic pride.”

Expressing municipal support for the initiative on behalf of the St. James Municipal Corporation, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon stated, “The partnership between the St. James Municipal Corporation and Kingston Creative to roll out the MoBay Murals is a bold step in Montego Bay’s urban renewal progress, already reshaping our city with art and culture. I thank the TUI Foundation and Doctor’s Cave Beach Club for their support, while inviting more partners to join us in transforming Montego Bay into a more beautiful and inspiring space.”

The “Crafting Culture” mural now stands as a proud addition to Montego Bay’s public art corridor, inviting tourists and locals to experience the island’s rich artistic heritage in the heart of the city.