Beyond 60 years and still no art gallery

My involvement with a National Art Gallery (NAG) began in 2009 when I was Ambassador in Washington and lasted several years. My frustration, however, must be minute compared to the experience of Bajan artists and supporters of art—both Bajan and foreigners (such as Nancy Sonis who gave 75 paintings to this cause). I worked with Sir Trevor Carmichael and the Barbados Government, in particular, with the former Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley who assured us that the former CXC building at the Garrison would become the home of the NAG. Despite his repeated promises, nothing happened. This is not surprising, for many ministers and governments for over 60 years have given empty promises.

It is interesting to note that the former CXC building was initially promised in 2007 by the then AG. We understand that this building has now been earmarked for an IT/Data entity. I would have thought that an IT/Data unit could be located almost anywhere whereas a NAG is more suited to be located in proximity to the Barbados Museum and the George Washington museum. In fact, one former well respected Permanent Secretary suggested that the Garrison area should house many museums.

Good long-term planning would also recommend that the Government also earmark Block B for Phase II of a unified and modern NAG.

In dealing with any government, it is important to understand that promises are mere promises and as Quintus Cicero said in his book How to Win an Election, that it is better for a politician to make a promise that he/she cannot keep because he/she can say later that the circumstances have changed!

My experience in doing many projects in Brazil and CARICOM countries over years tells me that in order to successfully raise funding for a NAG, the first step required is for the government to put a suitable building into a new NAG Foundation through a long-term lease. This will show to potential donors that Barbados is serious. Promises, blood, sweat and tears are worthless in raising project funding. No reasonable donor is going to contribute funds on any government “promise”, especially in a situation that has gone on for over 60 years.

The government also needs to provide some initial funds that would be used to carry out necessary work involving inputs from an architect, quantity surveyor, structural engineer, building contractor, pre-operating costs, professional writer, publisher, etc., in the preparation of a prospectus to be used to raise the total funding for the project implementation. All previous studies that were carried out should be made available to the NAG Foundation to assist in the overall analysis.

The Government really has nothing to lose because they probably have a number of buildings that are not being used and are depreciating daily. The Government can also make the contribution of their building to the NAG conditional on funds being raised to complete the project.

The Concerned Citizens for Barbadian Art (CCBA) believe that the funding costs required that may be about $15 million can be raised from non-governmental sources. Moreover, the reality of Barbados’ economic circumstances dictate that the Government of Barbados will be unable to house and operationalize the NAG as a statutory organization.

Given the very unsatisfactory experience of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and the recent comments of the Auditor General as well as the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, it is imperative that the NAG Foundation must not be administered by any government. The Barbados Government should have a member on the NAG Foundation board, but the NAG must be independent from any governmental interference.

It is expected that a significant portion of the funds raised will be in foreign currency inflows to Barbados. In the implementation stage, jobs will be created in the construction/renovation /landscaping areas, etc. This activity will help stimulate the economy whereas the NAG will, on an ongoing basis, be a catalyst for the cultural sector and create a sense of pride and encouragement for the artists as well as to promote heritage tourism.

John Beale is a former Barbados Ambassador to the US and to the OAS and is an international banker.