Guyana eyes stronger ties with Edna Manley College as gov’t prioritises creative sector development
The Government of Guyana is actively exploring deeper collaboration with the Jamaica-based Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts as part of its broader push to strengthen the country’s creative industries.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, recently underscored the administration’s firm commitment to developing Guyana’s creative economy.
Speaking during an engagement with a visiting Jamaican business delegation, which included representatives from the Edna Manley College, Dr. Singh said the government is “investing very heavily” in the sector.
The meeting featured a candid and passionate exchange, particularly when a representative of the Edna Manley College voiced concern over the absence of Guyanese students at their annual flag ceremony — an event that symbolically honours international student participation.
Expressing her hope to once again see Guyana’s flag proudly represented at the college’s graduation ceremonies, she also raised questions about scholarship access and government plans to grow the creative industry.
In response, Dr. Singh acknowledged that while overseas scholarships are available, they are limited due to the relatively higher cost compared to domestic or online study programmes.
Nevertheless, he affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that aspiring creatives have the opportunity to pursue training abroad.
He also admitted that much of his previous remarks had centred on infrastructure and technology, but culture and the arts remain high on the government’s agenda.
“You’re absolutely correct,” Dr. Singh said, referring to the absence of discussion around cultural development. “That doesn’t mean we’re not doing anything in that space. We are, in fact, doing quite a lot.”
According to Dr. Singh, support for the creative sector includes the construction of recording studios, grant funding for artists, and the promotion of local talent.
“We’re giving grants to the creative arts. We’re supporting a number of groups in promoting and developing their craft,” he explained.
He further revealed that a major cultural initiative is underway — a new cultural marketplace to be built in Palmyra, Region Six. The facility will serve as a space for visual arts, sculpting, painting, and performing arts.
“We will be building… a cultural market which will have space for all aspects of art and painting and sculpting, but also the performance of creative arts,” he noted.
Minister Singh highlighted the administration’s recognition of the global “orange economy” — a term referring to the creative economy driven by culture, innovation, and the arts and said Guyana is positioning itself to harness its full potential.
He welcomed the possibility of collaboration with the Edna Manley College, remarking, “We can certainly speak about the college’s work and where the opportunities are.”
The session concluded with mutual enthusiasm for future partnerships that would enhance educational and cultural exchanges between Guyana and Jamaica.
The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, which has been a cornerstone of Caribbean arts education since its founding in 1950, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regional cultural diversity and training the next generation of visual and performing artists.
It offers a diverse range of programmes in visual arts, music, dance, drama, arts management, and education, designed to nurture creative talent and promote cultural excellence across the Caribbean.
