Government has not abandoned its goal of establishing a performing arts company in Barbados.
While he admits that “funding challenges” have been a primary setback in attaining that objective, Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley said an outlet for youngsters involved in the cultural industries will be established.
Lashley reaffirmed that commitment during his address at the 2017 graduation of the Youth Achieving Results (YAR) programme at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed on Wednesday night.
“We have found that programmes such as these, not only develop practical skills in the respective disciplines but, even more importantly, they build the confidence and self-esteem of the participants. Such intangible gains are key to your success towards becoming productive citizens. In this regard, the ministry remains committed to the development of the cultural industries in Barbados.
“You can rest assured that we will leave no stone unturned in our quest to provide opportunities for Barbadian youth in all spheres of endeavour. One of the objectives of the YAR programme is that an ensemble will be established via a Performing Arts Company to utilise and market the skills of graduates. Although not yet achieved . . . .We are resolute that we will not provide training and then abandon our graduates. We will, indeed, persevere in our efforts to establish the Performing Arts Company in Barbados for our young people,” he said, to enthusiastic applause.
He noted that there have been several achievements in the programme in the last 15 years and he commended the graduates for investing in their own future and that of the nation by participating in the developmental programme.
“These activities provided through the YAR programme will sustain the performing and visual arts in Barbados and add to the innovation and creativity of our cultural landscape. We have so far witnessed significant successes through this programme. There has been, from the first year of the programme, young participants succeeding in charting careers for themselves in different spheres. They include the group Zenith which was formed from the Performing Arts Programme this year and reached the semi-finals of the 2017 National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, and accomplished artists and designers as well, over the years,” he said.
Lashley encouraged the graduates not to stop striving for success now that they have graduated. (YB)
