-Minister Ramson says ‘monumental achievement’ gives legitimate recognition to pursued passions, acquired artistic skills

THE Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, on Monday received a Certificate of Registration from the National Accreditation Council (NAC).

This achievement is said to be an indication that the education offered by the institute has met the standards of tertiary-level education for creative arts, marking the beginning of a new era for the arts in Guyana.

The Institute of Creative Arts was formally established in 2014 and constitutes the tertiary-level programmes offered by the National School of Dance, the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, the National School of Music and the Guyana National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.

The establishment of the institute came at a time when post-secondary creative arts education was taking centre stage in the Caribbean and greater value was being placed on the development of creative industries.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and many other international organisations were advancing the theory of monetisng the creative industries and saw it as an excellent pathway to empower human development.

The Government of Guyana has since recognised the importance of the creative industries to Guyana’s economic development and has made a commitment to providing resources for the promotion and development of the sector.

Additionally, the institute endeavours to empower students to master their craft and to seek opportunities for self-actualisation with courses such as entrepreneurship, music as a business and production management.

Delivering feature remarks at the brief ceremony was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jnr., who said the registration of the institute is an achievement of monumental proportions, especially for those persons involved in the culture and creative industries.

The minister said: “Gone must be the days where persons who are involved in cultural and creative industries are not considered to be legitimate areas of our economy.” He added that the time has come for the pursuit of passions, and the acquisition of skills to be recognised.

Minister Ramson stated that registration alone is a huge accomplishment. To have the institute registered, according to him was always a part of the design of the institute.

“The institute not just passed, but it passed our assessment with flying colours, which means all along, the ministry, we have been conducting our affairs in the most professional manner. Though not recognised because registration means recognition, this step today is a milestone; a milestone that will be remembered in the area of cultural and creative industries for times to come, and it will just be a matter of time before the institute becomes fully accredited,” Minister Ramson affirmed.

Executive Director of the NAC Dr Marcel Hutson, in his brief remarks, said this achievement is more than just a procedural accomplishment. He said it is a significant step forward in recognising, legitimising and empowering creative arts education in Guyana.

He said the registration with the NAC signifies the acknowledgement of the Institute of Creative Arts as a credible and high-quality learning institution.

“This recognition builds confidence among students and their families, encouraging enrolment, participation in the creative arts.”

He related, noting that it sends a clear message that pursuing a career in the arts is valid and holds value on par with other academic disciplines.

Elaborating on this, Dr Hutson related that registration paves the way for graduates of the institute to gain greater access to local and international opportunities that will present themselves.
Furthermore, it enhances the portability of qualifications, making it easier for artists, performers, and creatives to pursue further education or employment opportunities, not just locally, but abroad.

The executive director remarked, “Registration strengthens the professional credibility of the ICA. The alumni is rewarded and validates the contribution to cultural heritage, to media, entertainment and design sectors.”