Alan Springer, Opposition Spokesperson for The Arts, Culture and The Creative Economy.
Local creatives are crying out for more investment and growth opportunities within the local arts sector.
This revelation comes from Alan Springer, current member of the opposition party under Bishop Joseph Atherley whose portfolio includes the Creative Economy and Sports Industry Development, as he sat down recently with media to discuss his upcoming film documentary on the local arts industry.
Springer, who worked on the project for over a year with interviews done locally and in England, said the general consensus amongst all the players he spoke to, was that the sector desperately needs attention in terms of investment.
“From the artists, general speaking they believe there is a lack of investment in infrastructure. Another key concern, was the lack of an opportunity to monetize their art. I think that is the biggest concern, how do we on the island produce art and move it to the next level in terms of monetizing it, so that artists can earn from their creative work, and likewise, contribute to the national economy. Those are the kind of issues that are drawn out in the film,” he explained.
With the talk around the creation of a national arts gallery being discussed at length over the last year, Springer said the local artists are hopeful for this project to see the light of day, yet at the same time, have been scorned from years of neglected promises by several administrations.
“The artists believe that it’s going to happen. I think it would be a great disappointment for them if it didn’t, because the word on the ground is that something is about to happen. If our government can deliver that [gallery] on behalf of the artists, I think it will be well appreciated, and it would go a long way in helping to develop the arts industry here.
We do need a national gallery and a national theatre for performers,” Springer said.
Having interviewed a wide spectrum of artists here on the island for the film, he noted how extremely co-operative with the process as they seen keen on sharing their stories of successes and trials with him, as they navigate the still growing market.
Local cultural icon Anthony “The Mighty Gabby” Carter, is the narrator for the film, as well as other notable local artists who also lent their assistance to the documentary.
The film, titled “The Fire This Time: Art Barbados,” will premiered last Wednesday, March 11, at the Frank Collymore Hall.