The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) will be relocated to Queen’s Park as part of Government’s broader plan to transform the historic park into the mecca for culture in Barbados.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, signalled the government’s intention to ramp up support for the sector, while delivering an address at the Crop Over Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, in Queen’s Park, on Saturday.
She told hundreds gathered that Barbadians can expect to see more spaces for cultural practitioners to express themselves.
“Queen’s Park will become the home of the National Cultural Foundation but also a space for the creativity of our artists. We will have spaces for artists in residence; we will set up rehearsal halls to make sure that our artists in Barbados are elevated and given the space to be able to operate and to nurture their art form.
“We do that as a Government…because we understand that that investment that we make is part of our national development. But, if we can ensure that our artists thrive, if we can ensure that as a Barbados, we understand that connection to cultural identity and to the role that culture plays, then we will have a stronger and better Barbados,” Senator Munro-Knight emphasised.
The minister added that the NCF has been tasked to find additional opportunities for creatives to expose their talents on the world stage. She also disclosed that the cultural agency was working on an album entitled I Am Barbados, featuring multiple artistes performing different genres of music.
She also spoke of ongoing work with the NCF to train 1 000 school children in various art forms, including steel pan as well as training for teachers.
Senator Munro-Knight encouraged Barbadians to come out to the Crop Over activities and participate in the events for CARIFESTA slated to be held from August 22 to 31.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding sugar workers and Crop Over stalwarts. (BGIS)
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