The ROM celebrates African and Caribbean culture on February 25

Donisha Prendergast hosts the ROM’s full day of programming devoted to African and Caribbean culture and heritage

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) proudly announces its first African and Caribbean Cultural Heritage Day. Taking place at the ROM on Saturday, February 25, 2012, the event is hosted by Donisha Prendergast, grand-daughter of Bob Marley and Rita Marley. Rita is expected to join her grand-daughter at the ROM. The day’s full complement of events is included with the ROM’s new lower admission prices.

“The ROM is incredibly proud to host Donisha Prendergast and Rita Marley for this historic event,” said Dr. Julian Siggers, the ROM’s Vice President, Programs & Content Communication. “Fans of the Marley dynasty of reggae music will recognise the high significance of the Museum’s heartfelt welcome of these two dynamic women.”

Diverse programming takes place between 11:00am and 5:00pm over the ROM’s entirety and includes music and dance performances in Currelly Gallery; story telling (with Donisha!) in the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs; and a screening of RasTa: A Soul’s Journey in the Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre. The documentary’s screening will be followed by an open discussion, co-moderated by Donisha Prendergast. Additionally, hands-on crafts and activities for children take place in the Queen’s Park Rotunda while guided tours through Galleries of Africa: Egypt & Nubia and the Shreyas and Mina Ajmera Gallery of Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific bring to life the rich history and culture of Africa while highlighting the ROM’s renowned permanent collections. Full programming details and timing can be found at http://bit.ly/ylZZKc

African and Caribbean Cultural Heritage Day is the culmination of the ROM’s celebration of Black History Month, itself launched with RasTa at the ROM, an exciting line-up of events that began with the world premiere screening of RasTa: A Soul’s Journey. This new initiative was created by In Search of Rastafari Inc. and SNR Agency in partnership with the ROM. Since premiering at the ROM, RasTa: A Soul’s Journey has been screened every Saturday and Sunday in February in the ROM’s Eaton Theatre. The critically acclaimed documentary follows Donisha Prendergast’s exploration of the roots and evolution of the Rastafari movement in an epic journey, taking her to eight countries around the world. Donisha is an artist and youth activist in her native Jamaica.

Participating in the day’s extensive programming is sure to build up the appetites! A special selection of themed treats and meals await visitors in Food Studio Café, the ROM’s destination for healthy menu options in an earth-friendly environment. A visit to the ROM Museum Store provides inspired mementoes of the ROM’s first African and Caribbean Cultural Heritage Day.

New Lower Pricing in Effect Every Day

African and Caribbean Culture Heritage Day activities are included with ROM admission as follows.

TICKET TYPES GENERAL ADMISSION MAYA + GENERAL ADMISSION

Adult $15 (previously $24) $25 (previously $31)

Senior (65+ years) $13.50 (previously $21) $22.50 (previously $28)

Student (15 - 25 years, with student ID) $13.50 (previously $21) $22.50 (previously $28)

Child (4 - 14 years) $12 (previously $16) $17 (previously $19.50)

Infant (3 years & under) Free Free

Members Free Free