ABOUT THE DRP

Vision

To create a Jamaican space for writers to hone their skills in all genres and increase their contribution to Caribbean Literature

Mission

To build a better society through introspective art, by creating collaborations with industry experts who will provide mentorship and exposure for talented Jamaicans to hone there skills and produce high quality creative products for the local and international market. We are successful if we:-

•Build a network of artists who value sharing their knowledge and skills, for the benefit of the society

•Create an environment to support emerging and mid-career artists

The DRP’s symbol shows the profile of an ornate black chair with a lion head arm hold. It is set in contrast to a white background.

A film or a story is said to keep you on the edge of your seat, if it is suspenseful or engaging.
The ‘First Chair’ is awarded to a musician in an orchestra based on prowess.
Being “in the chair" is a euphemism for strict discipline or scrutiny
A chair is symbolic of a throne or to be elevated
An “empty chair” can be considered a vacancy or void
To “pull up a chair” is our friendly invitation

HISTORY

OUR OBJECTIVES

Registered Company Number : 96482

Registered Charity : CA100-1192C

The Drawing Room Project (DRP) was founded as a voluntary association in 2007 by Millicent Graham and Joni Jackson; writers and Calabash Literary Arts Fellows, who share the vision of evolving social consciousness through good literature. The association sought partnerships with other entities who are for social change and community development.

The DRP was incorporated in 2018 and currently organizes creative writing workshops in Jamaica for a growing membership.

Produce Quality Literature

Support writers in the creative process with time to develop their skills and create new work. Strengthen the quality of literature and the written form in new media, digital and performing arts.

Foster Cultural Identity

Expose persons to traditional and indigenous practices that will be documented and / or re-imaged as personal histories. Explore the themes and motifs of the Caribbean.

Strengthen Community

Share quality literature using new and traditional mediums.

Mentor The Next Generation

International Acclaim

Reach People with Literature

Create mentoring opportunities in which persons are encouraged by established Jamaican writers to pursue a career in the literary arts.

Promote Jamaican writers and their work at an international scale.

Produce high quality literary events and products that reach Jamaicans in all communities.

Come Write With Us...

DRP EXEC

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture or work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.

Trustee

Anne Marie Bonner

A graduate of Immaculate Conception High, EXED Community College and the University of the West Indies, Anne-Marie taught English at Camperdown High School. She has served as Principal Director in the Policy Analysis and Review Unit of the Cabinet Office of Jamaica Consul General to Toronto for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and more recently Director of the Institute of Jamaica . She was a participant in Wayne Brown’s Observer Literary Workshop and had several short stories published in the Sunday Observer. She was a finalist in the Observer Literary Awards in 2005

Treasurer

George Davis

has over 25 years working with not for profit organization and facilities’ management, he is the co founder of Ten-Em-Bee Sports Development Centre, Downham, Bromley and Lewisham Borough Community Football club in Lewisham South East London, where he has held positions as director, company secretary and trustee. He was the Sports Director for BREDS, a non-profit organization in Treasure Beach, Jamaica where he developed the 17 acre Sports Park and Academy and created the sport education program "EduSport" which is supported by UNICEF to deliver fundamental sport activities in primary schools. George is also founder of Excel Sports Management in Grand Cayman. He is currently the Director of Jamaica Excel Sports Management.

Chairperson

Millicent A. A. Graham

Millicent A. A. Graham is a Poet and Project Manager who lives in Kingston Jamaica. She has a M.Sc. in Human Centered Computer Systems from the University of Sussex, UK. She has experience in project design and development. Millicent has published 2 collections of poetry and is a fellow of: the International Writing Program (IWP), USA; Michael and Marylee Fairbanks International Fellowship for African and Caribbean Writers, USA and Calabash Literary Foundation, Jamaica.

Secretary

Joni Jackson

Joni Jackson is a Writer, Blogger and Environmentalist, living in Kingston, Jamaica. She holds a B. Sc. In Geology, postgraduate diplomas in Project Design, Implementation and Management as well as International Environmental Law and a postgraduate certificate in Environmental Management. She has also received training in Supervisory Management and the Green Economy. Joni is a member if the ICAJ Toastmasters Club. She has previously served on the Executive Committee of the club as Vice President Public Relations and currently serves as its Secretary. To date she has earned the Advanced Communicator Silver and Advanced Leader Bronze designations. She is a member of the Executive Council of the Geological Society of Jamaica. She is currently employed as Director, Natural Resources in the Environment and Risk Management Division of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Social Media Coordinator

Shannika Jackson

Shannika Jackson is an Data Analyst and Writer. She enjoys a so far leisurely exploration of the art of literary expression as her own voice takes shape. She is simultaneously learning the language of the world and discovering the strength and impact of this voice.
She is inspired everyday by the gentle infusion of resilience and resourcefulness poured into her by those she cherishes. They offer such kaleidoscopic perspectives on living and being and instills a desire to honour their trust in her.

Trustee

Velma Pollary

Velma Pollard is a retired Senior Lecturer in Language Education in the Department of Educational Studies, Faculty of Arts and Education of the University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica. Her major research interests have been Creole Languages of the Anglophone Caribbean, The Language of Caribbean Literature and Caribbean Women’s Writing. Articles in these areas appear in local and international journals. She has published a handbook: From Jamaican Creole to Standard English-a handbook for teachers (1994,2003) and a monograph: Dread Talk-the language of Rastafari (1994, 2000).

Pollard is involved in Creative writing and has published poems and stories in regional and international journals and anthologies. She has a novel, three collections of short fiction and five books of poetry on the market. Her novella Karl won the Casa de las Americas prize in 1992.