new policy to integrate heritage, creativity, and digital innovations

SIGNIFICANT developments are on the horizon for 2025, as President, Dr Irfaan Ali has declared the forthcoming introduction of an updated national cultural policy for public review in the early months of next year. This milestone represents a crucial stride towards establishing Guyana as a prominent figure in the realms of culture and creativity within the region.

In his speech to the 12th Parliament, President Ali emphasised that the new policy framework will prioritise the integration of culture into national development, the preservation of the country’s rich heritage and the enhancement of the creative industries.
But the policy is not just about looking back — it’s about addressing some of the most pressing issues facing culture today, including the rapid rise of digital platforms and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on art and creativity.

“There has not been a better time for culture and creativity in Guyana than at present. We can start with a cultural policy. A revised draft framework for a national cultural policy will be put to public consultation in the new year.
“One that not only focuses on the fundamental issues of integrating Culture into Development, Heritage Preservation and the growth of creative industry, but one that anticipates more recent concerns, like the impact of the digital ecosystem and culture and the dangers and opportunities posed by generative artificial intelligence,” President Ali told the Parliament.

The Head of State noted that even as the policy is being fine-tuned, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic-led (PPP/C) government is not waiting around to act.
Already, the Guyana Prize for Literature has been revamped, now running as an annual event with expanded categories to shine a spotlight on local literary talent. On top of that, the Creative and Cultural Industries Grant has doled out over US$450,000 so far, giving crucial financial support to local artists, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs — a level of funding unmatched anywhere else in the Caribbean.

President Ali also revealed plans to establish a world-class film production industry right here in Guyana. Talks are already underway with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and an international partner to ink a co-production agreement, a move that will lead to the creation of a National Film Commission.

“The meaningful involvement of local performing arts practitioners has become a staple of state events, providing both income and exposure to some of our brightest talents.
“Looking to the very near future, my administration has begun laying the groundwork to establish in Guyana a world-class film-production environment, one that draws upon a tremendous working talent available in the industry, across the diaspora and also in the locally, in the creative talent area,” President Ali said.

What does this mean for Guyana? President Ali explained that his government’s vision is to turn Guyana into a hotspot for filmmakers, tapping into both local talent and resources from the diaspora.
In turn, Dr Ali explained that could open doors for local creatives to work on international projects and help the country cash in on the booming global film industry.