Artists’ Corner: Killi Killi – Community Centre for Creative Arts
Photography courtesy of Killi Killi
Prepare to take flight as you spread your wings and expand your mind by exposing yourself to a whole new world of artistic creativity.
Named after what our local culture calls the American Kestrel Sparrow Hawk, ‘The Killy,’ Killi Killi Arts Company invites residents and visitors to the British Virgin Islands to join classes and social gatherings founded on a passion for arts and the spirit of community.
Killi Killi was established in January 2014 by Nick and Vanessa Cook, and Mary Ormond to expand the options offered in the creative arts for children and families.
The company operates on a non-profit organisation model (awaiting official status), therefore all the furniture, toys and equipment at Killi Killi have been donated by businesses and individuals in the community.
“We want to be a friendly, ‘door-open’ community centre where all are welcome to just hang out and have fun,” said Cloudia, theatre practitioner and dance instructor at Killi Killi.
The facility in Road Town is now a popular social hub for families and individuals, which includes a lounge area for parents, two studios, a play area complete with a performance stage, and a vast outdoor area where a community playground will be built for the autumn season.
Child and Youth Programmes
At the centre, tots, children and older youths are welcome to sign up for a variety of educational artistic classes offered on an alternating basis in the artistic mediums. In addition to general visual arts, dance, music, and drama, they also offer unique courses including toddler aerobics, children’s yoga, and musical theatre.
Adult Programmes
Killi Killi also encourages individuals to sign up for classes, as well as engage in social gatherings such as book swaps. Popular adult classes such as jazzercise, yoga, aerobics, playwriting, and sewing regularly appear on the schedule, as well as a special circus class for those who wish to learn tricks such as juggling, hula hooping, and even fire dancing.
The company hopes to offer a ‘Production Project’ in the fall where they will select a play or musical to showcase for the community; participants can sign up and audition for the course which will conclude with this grand finale.
Playgroups and Summer Camps
Mothers and fathers have found Killi Killi to be a fantastic place to meet other parents and a great social experience for their children. Babysitters are also provided for parents who wish to have an hour to themselves whilst they enjoy one of the adult-only classes.
Summer camps are great to keep kids busy and happy during their time off school, where each week new theme camp options are available for children ages 4 and up.
Birthday Parties and Special Occasions
The facility is available to hire as an indoor and outdoor party area for birthday parties and special occasions. Guests are given exclusive use of the property including all the studios and the outside gardens, and have the option to provide their own catering and entertainment, or use the talented staff and performers at Killi Killi to create a customised party.
Community Events and Performances
Throughout the year, Killi Killi hosts events for children and families such as car boot sales and holiday parties, which include Santa’s Grotto at Christmas, an egg hunt at Easter, and haunted house at Halloween.
From their musical and theatre classes, children and adult performances are held where all are welcome to spectate the centre’s talent. The professional skills of Killi’s performers is also available to hire for private events in the BVI.
For a complete listing of what Killi Killi Arts Company has to offer, visit their website www.killikillico.com and sign up for either their general or adult only email newsletter by emailing [email protected] to stay up to date with the latest excitement.
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