Archer defends National Art Gallery plan

Senator Shane Archer has rejected criticism of the government’s plan to establish a National Art Gallery, insisting the institution will strengthen the already high‑quality work being produced by Barbadian artists and help secure the island’s cultural future.

Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Youth and Culture, told the Senate during debate on a resolution to lease Block A at the Garrison, St Michael, for the gallery that local artists deserve stronger national support and a dedicated institution to elevate their work.

Giving high praise to the standard of work already produced, he said the gallery would create greater opportunities for artists to build sustainable careers while safeguarding Barbados’ artistic heritage.

“We have people capable of creating work of distinction. The responsibility, therefore, before us is to help build the conditions and the support to enable this work to be preserved, to be encountered, to be developed and, by extension, to be exported,” he said.

Archer stressed that the gallery should not be seen merely as a space to display art, but as a national institution capable of advancing cultural development and contributing to economic growth. As Barbados approaches 60 years of independence and five years as a republic, he said the country must consider the cultural inheritance it is preparing for future generations.

He pointed to cultural projects at Newton, the Botanical Gardens, and the proposed gallery as evidence of the government’s investment in national culture and its responsibility to protect the contributions of artists who have documented the island’s life.

The senator said the gallery would offer professional exposure and opportunities, while entrepreneurship programmes would help artists move beyond the early stages of developing their craft. He linked this to the planned restructuring of the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and noted that cultural practitioners often need support with pricing, business planning, intellectual property, and market access.

Archer outlined the statutory responsibilities of the gallery, including developing collections, documenting and conserving works, advising government, and making art available locally and overseas. The proposed 25‑year lease includes an option for a further 25 years.

“Long‑term planning for a cultural institution takes time. Collection deserves care. Facilities require investment, and educational and exhibition programmes require preparation,” he said.

Archer said the gallery’s statutory functions already include making works available for exhibitions abroad, creating opportunities for relationships with regional and international institutions. Such partnerships, he added, could support knowledge exchange, professional development and wider exposure for Barbadian art while ensuring artists’ rights are protected.

He also stressed that the gallery must be accessible to the wider public, including those with little previous exposure to visual art.

School engagement, accessibility, and outreach, he added, should form part of the institution’s development.

(JB)