The Alwin Foundation (ABF) Inc. is inviting members of Dominica’s arts and cultural community to take part in a public panel discussion aimed at exploring ways to strengthen and grow the country’s creative sector.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, beginning at 7:00 PM at the UWI Global Campus in Roseau, with support from the UWI Global Campus (Dominica). The discussion will center on the theme, “Building a Sustainable Arts and Cultural Industries Sector in Dominica.”
According to an ABF press release, Chairman Severin McKenzie said the conversation comes at a time when the role of arts and culture is receiving increasing recognition both locally and internationally.
“We believe that this subject is very relevant given the national, regional and global attention to the importance of arts and culture both as critical elements to national self-awareness and as a platform for economic and social development,” McKenzie said.
He explained that the forum reflects the Foundation’s commitment to championing stronger policies and best practices that can help shape a vibrant cultural landscape in Dominica, as per the release. McKenzie said the initiative also continues the vision of the late Alwin Bully, whose lifelong contributions to the arts continue to inspire the Foundation’s work to position culture as an important driver of national and regional progress.
The organization reports that the discussion will feature an experienced panel representing several areas of the creative sector. Participants include former Chief Cultural Officer, media professional, dancer, choreographer and longtime dance advocate Raymond Lawrence; poet, calypsonian, songwriter, musician and radio announcer Ian Jackson; cultural industries consultant and former Film Commissioner for Dominica Anita Bully; and emerging actor and First Vice-President of the National Youth Council of Dominica Dylan Registe. McKenzie, who is also an architect and former assistant artistic director of the People’s Action Theatre (PAT), will serve as moderator.
Panelists are expected to examine the evolution of Dominica’s arts and cultural landscape while discussing the challenges and opportunities involved in creating a sustainable creative economy. The session will also focus on practical strategies for building a stronger ecosystem capable of supporting a modern, competitive cultural industries sector.
The public discussion is part of the Alwin Bully Foundation’s wider programme to strengthen capacity within the creative community, encourage greater collaboration among practitioners, and create more opportunities for meaningful dialogue on the future of the arts in Dominica.
The Foundation is encouraging artists, cultural practitioners and members of the wider public to attend, noting that strong community participation can help foster productive discussions and build lasting partnerships that will benefit the country’s creative industries.
