Published: Jul/Aug 2003
Theme: Kamau, Lil Rick and the nation-language evolution
Cover: Hypa collage—poet Kamau Brathwaite and calypsonian Lil Rick.  Created from original photographs courtesy of Kingsley Roberts and the Nation Publishing Company.
Contributors:  James Carmichael, Mark Selman, Nick Whittle

BackPage Say #3

Cultural Capital

By Nick Whittle

THE DREAM visual artists have dreamt for more than fifty years is to become a reality.  Barbados will have a National Art Gallery.  The precise date on which it will open its doors is a decision for the Government of Barbaods.  What is not in question is the impact such an institution will have, not only on the development of the visual arts in Barbados, rather on the national consciousness of our citizenry.

In Barbados, we boast of our high level of literacy, but we have to acknowledge that we are visually illiterate when it comes to looking at and understanding works of art.  It is therefore vital that one of the primary objectives of a National Art Gallery must be the education of Barbadians.  And this must be done through programmes that address the specific needs of differing groups within our society; that target new audiences rather than rely on preaching to the converted. 

The establishment of a National Art Gallery will hopefully provide an opportunity for the Ministry of Education to re-examine the position of the visual arts on the curriculum in primary and secondary schools.  In the 21st century, it is totally unacceptable for the visual arts to remain on the margins of our educational system.  To do so would be to run counter to current educational trends.

The cultural impact of a National Art Gallery can be compared to the importance of the Carnegie Free Library on Coleridge Street in Bridgetown.  Its establishment in -- led to the subsequent development of the National Library Service, which not only satisfied the thirst for knowledge among Barbadians from every walk of life but also hastened the development of the literary arts.

It is expected that the National Art Gallery will take over the building the Caribbean Examinations Council presently occupies together with its adjoining lands.  Such a position in close proximity to the Barbados Museum and within the historic Garrison area will see it poised to become the cultural capital of our nation.

This guest editorial is by Nick Whittle, an artist and a member of the National Art Gallery Committee (NAGC).  The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the NAGC.