Keeping the same energy

GUYANESE-British star Letitia Wright returned to Guyana after about two decades away and, in just a few days, she has been able to visit numerous places across the country and indulge in the sense of national pride we have for her.

First of all, I can’t begin how exhausting this journey has been for Wright. She has been at event after event, trip after trip, trying to make the most of her stay in Guyana (and we all love her for it!).

She has also hinted at some important things. Wright highlighted that she was keen on exploring how she could support forest conservation efforts at the Iwokrama International Centre for Conservation and Development. She also expressed an interest in future support for youth in the local creative industry.

Most importantly, for me, is that Wright’s presence has also allowed us to revisit the support we lend to those in the creative industry. And how much more support we really ought to be giving.

During her engagement at a Ministry of Education programme hosted at Queen’s College, Wright said her family made her academic studies a priority, but they allowed her to pursue her passion- acting. She was also living in an environment in the United Kingdom that allowed her to pursue acting. It is not far-fetched to think that the support she received was instrumental in her development and success.

Support like that- both from the people around us and our environment- is important.

In Guyana, the creative sector has ways to go- but not because there is any shortage of talent, commitment (from creatives), or passion. We can be honest and acknowledge that support for the arts is not where it needs to be. And we can acknowledge that we don’t have the most enabling environment for people’s talents to be nurtured and expanded.

From my small involvement and engagement in the local creative scene, I know for a fact that too many people just don’t have the space to freely immerse themselves in the arts. They balance honing their skills and talents with other responsibilities and priorities. As you read my thoughts printed here, I can guarantee there is at least one group of filmmakers and actors squeezing in any free time they have to make Guyanese short films. They balance this effort with their daily lives and jobs. It is no simple feat.

On the other hand, let’s also consider how we view creative talent and expression. Though strides are being made all around, it feels like you have to choose between the mainstream academics and professions (medicine, law, and engineering, for example) and the arts. And if you chose the latter, respect and adequate compensation seem to be uphill battles. In the year 2023, though strides are being made all around, we also continue to revere the ‘big’ professions we’ve known our entire lives. Certainly, those fields are important and persons skilled in them should be commended and supported but why can’t we keep the same energy for the arts?

A previous column noted that creative expression helps people articulate their thoughts, feelings and ideas, beliefs, and values. In Guyana and the Caribbean, the arts have always been a strong way to communicate who we are- whether resisting oppression or fighting to keep our diverse cultures alive. So, I cannot overemphasise just how important it is to allow this to flourish.

Because the arts represent who we are and the things that make life the way it is, we should respect the field and the people who dedicate themselves to its preservation and advancement. And for the record, I am not oblivious to the efforts and progress being made. For example, all of the fantastic projects emanating from the Cultural and Creative Industries grant are good examples of what can unfold when we meaningfully support the arts and our creatives.

Still, more support would not be wasted.

It is amazing to see Letitia Wright and all that she has been able to achieve. She, undoubtedly, deserves all her flowers. But it would be equally (if not more) amazing, to see the same energy for local creatives and the local arts industry.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

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