The Barbados government and the Barbados Community College (BCC) will soon be creating a new academic programme aimed at further developing the island’s growing film industry.
Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight recently made the announcement as she spoke during the BCC 2023 Season of Portfolio for its Fine Arts students at the Jean & Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, Hastings, Christ Church.
According to Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, in addition to the new incentive regime for film production on the island which was outlined by Prime Minister Mia Mottley in her 2023 Budgetary Proposals, additional support in the form of a new educational programme at the college is being planned.
“I am very happy to announce that in the context of film, she has also given the Division of Culture and the National Cultural Foundation a mandate to work with the Barbados Community College for the development of a programme very soon, that will see, hopefully at the bachelors level, a full programme so that we can expand the film industry here in Barbados.
“It is not just about the incentives to encourage others to come here, but ensuring that we have a local industry as well that allows us to be able to tell our stories,” she explained.
The minister added: “The importance of the Barbados Community College’s programme in Fine Arts is about cementing and reinforcing that progress for development, that space for expression, but also as well making sure that we add to that, the certification that is critical.”
Dr Shantal Munro-Knight further revealed that it was government’s intention to critically examine the real economic contribution the arts industry currently has on the island, which will further help artists along their professional journey.
“One of the things that we are intending to do, is that professionals in the arts, get paid, make money and are viewed as professionals, people who contribute to the economy. Therefore, in the context of the Division of Culture, what we will be attempting to do over this year and next year, is to actually map the economic contribution of the arts to the Barbadian economy.”
As Senator Munro-Knight praised the students and staff of BCC for their dedication to the arts over the years, particularly in the face of the harsh economic climate, she again reiterated the administration’s determination to fully roll-out a wide suite of projects over the next several months to further develop the sector.
“There will be a myriad of things that will be happening over this year into next year. We have the Queen’s Park transformation project which will see Queen’s Park being transformed into a hub for the arts; development of amphitheatres, dance theatres, residences in arts, all of that will be taking place.
“So much is happening, much will continue to happen that should reassure us of the importance culture has for all of us.”
Measures which PM Mottley proposed in the Budget included a 25 per cent transferable tax credit on eligible expenses directly related to the preproduction, production and post-production of films, which include all local costs and foreign cast and crew if paid via a Barbadian production company.
