-artists, digital marketplaces, heritage initiatives prioritised to position Guyana as a regional creative hub
GUYANA is charting a new course to turn cultural creativity into economic opportunity, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, announced on Monday during the presentation of Budget 2026.
While addressing the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, he revealed that government has earmarked a historic $3.7 billion to strengthen the country’s orange economy.
The allocation will back initiatives ranging from an art gallery and orange economy task force to a state-of-the-art museum and policy engagement with creators. This year, the focus will be on expanding cultural tourism, supporting young artists, and cementing Guyana’s position as a regional leader in creative industries.
Delivering a passionate presentation on Monday afternoon, Minister Singh emphasised the economic potential of the orange economy.
He highlighted the sector not only as a reflection of Guyanese identity but also as a vibrant avenue for investment and growth.
“Guyana’s cultural heritage has defined our identity as a people, has shaped our beliefs, our values, and our emotional connections to this country, our home. But beyond these intangibles, those that derive from the emotional connection, is a vast array of tangible benefits that can be derived from our unique Guyanese heritage and cultural creativity,” he shared.
Citing recent investments, Minister Singh noted that the government established a national multi-stakeholder orange economy task force last year. The task force will complete a medium-term strategic plan for the evolving sector, driven by national consultations planned throughout 2026.
Highlighting key areas for development, Minister Singh said: “Already eight key areas have been identified as priorities for development – cultural heritage tourism, gastronomy, literary, visual, performing arts, film, fashion, and festivals,” he shared.
The government is also taking a collaborative approach in shaping policy for the orange economy.
“Our government has already, as a matter of policy, engaged hundreds of local artists in national events through the year in our commitment to place culture and the arts at the heart of national development,” Minister Singh said before highlighting the operationalisation of the Port Morant Recording Studio in 2025 and the ongoing construction of three studios in Bayroc, Reliance, and Uitvlugt, which are expected to be completed this year.
“These will provide support to our incredibly talented young Guyanese to record their own music,” he stressed.
Plans are also in place to advance a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery, as well as the Palmyra Cultural Market, for which $1.3 billion has been allocated.
Highlighting the impact of connectivity in developing the orange economy, Minister Singh shared that aspiring Guyanese influencers are using the internet connectivity provided by government to create and utilise digital marketplaces, monetising their creative talent.
Looking ahead, he added, “These and other initiatives will serve to position Guyana as a leader in the Caribbean in the creative and cultural industries by leveraging our rich cultural heritage, our diverse artistic tradition, and our vast talent base to drive our own unique Guyanese orange economy.”
Further, he noted that $3.6 billion was invested in cultural initiatives in 2025. The $3.7 billion now budgeted for 2026 is crucial for the expansion of the sector.
The government’s commitment to the orange economy aligns closely with President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision of a diversified and resilient national economy. Strides have already been made in the strengthening of the orange economy’s public presence and engagement. Among major milestones was the transformation of Georgetown’s historic Railway Courtyard into a family‑oriented cultural and tourism space.
Across the country, cultural and heritage initiatives drew participation in more than 80 events involving over 500 artistes in 2025, illustrating real momentum in positioning Guyana’s creative industries as both economic drivers and expressions of national identity.
