The Audacity of the Creole Imagination – a multi-media exhibition of steelband history.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, the National Museum and Art Gallery in collaboration with the University of Trinidad and Tobago present this exhibition which is a product of years of research by senior research fellow at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Kim Johnson.  A tribute to the early pan men and women who against all odds fought for their freedom of expression through the unique and ever evolving national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, the steelpan.   

Through a series of poignant photographs and archival recordings, the viewer relives the story of the creativity and determination of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. These evocative photographs incite golden memories of the artform’s journey and leave the viewer/pan enthusiast thrilled at the ingenious skills of the instrument’s pioneers. 

It is envisaged that the exhibition will inspire the current generation of steel pan musicians and enthusiasts by the history of this sought after instrument. Faces, memories and moments that would have been otherwise been obscured by time’s unrelenting veil has been brought into the forefront of our minds as we continue to ponder on the past, present and future of this wonderful 20^th century acoustic invention.

Silver Stars steel orchestra, the reigning Panorama Champions, opened the evening with their melodic renditions. Panorama steelband banners belonging to a selection of steelbands were displayed in the museum’s court yard. After the opening speeches and acknowledgements which included the curator of the National Museum, Kim Johnson and Hollis ‘Mighty Chalkdust’ Liverpool, the cutting of the red tape by Kim initiated the start of this exhibition which runs from 6^th- 28^th February 2010 at the National Museum and Art Gallery.

Kim’s recent steelband research involving the creation of an archive of the audio and visual records of steelband history has led to the Illustrated Book of Pan to be published this year. Pan Podium extends plaudits to Kim and his team for the invaluable work.