Central Bank funds Crop Over art for third year

The Central Bank of Barbados reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the arts, during the official opening of the Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition on Saturday evening at the Queen’s Park Gallery.

Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge told the audience at the opening that the Bank will invest $80 000 to support the annual exhibition, the third consecutive year it is doing so.

“We are continuing our commitment, which we first made as an institution three decades ago,” Dr Greenidge said. “It is an investment because we want to strengthen our visual arts sector to the benefit of all.”

He added, “Our investment goes beyond funding. It is an affirmation that creativity and culture are not luxuries. In our view they are necessities. They help us to name our experiences, understand our histories and reimagine our futures.”

Dr Greenidge also highlighted the Bank’s extensive art collection, much of which is drawn from past exhibitions. “These works in my view document the Barbadian life in all of its beauty, in all its struggles, in all its complexities, and in all its joy.”

The exhibition opened on African Liberation Day under the theme Inner Visions – Self Reflections.

Curator Oneka Small said, “The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) remains committed to providing a platform for people to think on, explore creatively, present and discuss ideas of freedom as we enter our season of emancipation.” She noted, “This year we have encouraged artists to explore the reality of our ability to dream, and to achieve our dreams.”

“Inner Visions – Self Reflections highlights the work of 36 artists and 40 pieces out of more than 70 submissions, in traditional and new media, from young adult to elders, and the way that they have interpreted the call,” Small said. Digital installations featured prominently, with animated works presented on large screens throughout the venue.

Chief Cultural Officer Andrea Wells reiterated the NCF’s dedication to fostering national dialogue through art.

“The NCF remains committed to our mandate to push forward our discussions about identity. As an institution whose work is focused on culture and heritage we understand the need for growth in the face of constant change.”

She added, “We see parts of ourselves reflected in the arts in different ways at various times and we therefore must create platforms for content reviews and examinations of these.”

Wells also emphasised the importance of embracing new technology in the arts.

“In 2025 we see it as important to support the use of new technology, which like society is constantly changing. Our artists must be equipped to hold the discussions…on a world stage,” she said. “Indeed, we must keep up with these rapid developments to ensure that they are understood and used for the betterment of the wider community.”

She announced that the NCF will host a discussion on the intersection of traditional art and technology in two weeks. Additionally, an eight-week workshop on art and tech will launch in July, in the lead up to CARIFESTA.

The evening’s welcome address was delivered remotely by Dr Annalee Babb, Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, who shared her reflections on ‘The Artistry of Belonging’.

The night concluded with a live performance by the Haynes Band, under the musical direction of Tristan Haynes, and culinary delights prepared by Chef Marvin Applewhite. This exhibition will run from May 26 until June 21. (STT)