Determined to position Guyana as a leader in the Caribbean in the creative and cultural industries, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) announced major plans in its 2025 manifesto to invest in and protect these industries.
In particular, the party said it will focus on promoting visual arts, literature, performing arts, fashion and design, culinary arts, and the nation’s natural and human heritage as cultural niches. The party believes these areas have potential to generate considerable economic activity.
It said, “Culture and creativity will therefore be harnessed not only for emotional appreciation, but as economic activities that can generate jobs and provide incomes. Culture and the creative industries will therefore be mainstreamed into the economy.”
Over the next five years, in partnership with the artistic community, the party proposes to build and establish a new national museum to showcase the country’s natural and human history, as well as a new national art gallery to display the work of contemporary artists across all media and styles.
It also promises to develop a digital gallery to catalogue and showcase Guyana’s visual artwork over the years. The focus will be on paintings and sculptures, as well as a digital marketplace for Guyanese artwork through which pieces may be sold at home and abroad.
The party is also commiting to create a world-class fashion design and production environment, including an annual Guyana Fashion Festival showcasing Guyanese designers and their work, and establishing a digital marketplace for Guyanese fashion to be marketed domestically and globally.
The creation of a world-class film production and performing arts environment is also on the vards along with the expansion of the Guyana School of Music.
On the legislative side, the PPP/C said it will review and amend, where needed, the legislation on the National Trust and heritage assets and consider legislation to protect the creative industries.
