Two new murals unveiled in downtown MoBay

Kingston Creative has unveiled two new murals by western artists – Rushane Drummond, Deon Simone, Everton Jones, Joel Cameron and Taniki Anderson – under the TUI Colourful Cultures Jamaica project. The year-long programme, funded by the TUI Care Foundation and implemented with Target 8.9, aims to boost sustainable tourism and strengthen the creative economy in Montego Bay.

The initiative comprises three linked components: training in creative place-making; public art to enhance downtown’s visual appeal; and an arts festival intended to generate income for local artisans and creative entrepreneurs.

Doctors’ Cave Bathing Club will fund a third mural as a philanthropic gift to the city, Kathryn May, a director of the attraction, announced at the launch.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon framed the initiative within the wider global creative sector. “This programme is part of the global creative economy, a sector valued at over US$2 trillion and employing millions worldwide. By embedding these principles into our tourism product, we are diversifying our economy, creating opportunities for our youths, and positioning Montego Bay as a destination where visitors experience both leisure and innovation.”

Coral Williams, Target 8.9 Destinations manager, emphasised the project’s community impact. “We are proud to support this transformative initiative in Montego Bay,” she said. “Through the TUI Colourful Cultures Jamaica programme, we are investing in local talent, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing the cultural experiences that make destinations truly unique. By empowering artists and fostering creative place-making, we are helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive tourism ecosystem that benefits residents and visitors alike.”

One of the new works, ‘Echoes of MoBay’, appears on the Scotiabank building. Designed by Deon Simone and realised by lead artist Rushane Drummond with assistant artists Christopher Scott and Everton Jones, the mural reflects Montego Bay’s layered identity, its history, rhythm and movement. More than decorative, it asserts culture as central to the city’s future.

Opposite the St James Parish Church, on the Smart Investments Ltd building, stands ‘Deep Cultural Emergence’, created by Joel Cameron with assistant artist Taniki Anderson. The work evokes a city rooted in history, yet oriented towards progress.

Andrea Dempster-Chung, executive director of Kingston Creative, underscored the significance of western artists leading the work. “We are especially proud that all of the murals were created by artists from the west,” she said. “It is important that Montego Bay’s creative story is told by the talent rooted here. We are also excited for the Arts Festival on Sunday, March 29, where Queen Ifrica, alongside a dynamic line-up of MoBay artists and artisans, will have the opportunity to truly shine.”