As the country prepares to embark on another Crop Over Season, it appears that some changes are in store for the annual festival, though it has not been revealed when they will be made.
Last Friday the decision was taken to postpone the launch of the 2018 Crop Over Season dubbed ‘Crop Over Xplosion’, which was scheduled to take place the following day. The statement released by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) indicated that the event was postponed, as the new Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports John King, having only been sworn in less than a week before, was unable to meet and discuss with the NCF the plans and preparations for the festival prior to the scheduled launch. As such, the release stated it necessitated the official launch being put back to a later date.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday during the Throne Speech, Governor General Dame Sandra Mason revealed Government’s plan to create a new model for culture and the creative industries in this country. To start that process, she indicated that there will be a transformation of the NCF, the Crop Over Festival and the National Independence Festival for Creative Arts (NIFCA), but no details were given on what that would entail.
Speaking more to the work to be undertaken with respect to the creative economy, Dame Sandra announced that Government will also look to make changes to the recently established Barbados Cultural Industries Development Authority. She explained that the idea would be to further develop the Authority and put it at the forefront of nurturing, showcasing, marketing and exporting products made by local creative professionals, to the wider world. Additionally, that entity will facilitate the production and promotion of a 52-week calendar for the arts, entertainment and sports including at least one world-class festival every two months.
Her comments came as she indicated that plans are on stream for Government to re-establish a National School for Dance, with an adjunct National Dance Company, as well as a National School for the Performing Arts, with a National Performing Arts Company. Furthermore, she disclosed that the National Film Commission will be equipped to play a prime role in putting Barbados on track to be a “welcoming jurisdiction” for not only film and video productions and strategic co-productions, but supporting the further development of a local film industry.
“…It will bring true life to a National Art Gallery that acquires, houses, protects and displays important works by Barbadians and provides workspace for collaborative activities,” she said.