The Creative Arts sector in Guyana has reached a significant milestone with the graduation of the 10th cohort of students, earning associate degrees at the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA).
This marks further progress in developing professional training and opportunities for local artists.
The achievement was celebrated during the institute’s graduation ceremony on Thursday evening at the National Cultural Centre, where students from the National School of Dance, E.R. Burrowes School of Art, National School of Music and the National School of Theatre and Drama reflected on their academic journeys and the opportunities that the advanced training has created for their careers.
Addressing the gathering, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs, underscored the importance of ensuring that graduates are equipped with academic qualifications and are provided with opportunities to apply their skills and contribute to the country’s cultural development.
The minster highlighted the government’s continued efforts to create platforms for local creatives to showcase their talents, noting that these opportunities are an important part of developing Guyana’s creative economy, which reflects the orange economy initiative.
Minister Jacobs pointed to initiatives such as Live Art on Main Street, which provided young artists with exposure and opportunities to present their work to the public.
He also highlighted the upcoming CARIFESTA 2027, which will bring creatives from across the region to Guyana and provide further opportunities for local artists to participate in cultural productions and activities.
“It’s not just only the government facilitating courses, facilitating the growth of a diploma or certificate. It’s making sure after that the opportunity is there for you to showcase your talents,” the minister said.
Further, minister Jacobs explained that the government is working to structure the orange economy in a way that supports the growth of the sector, with consultations underway to gather recommendations from stakeholders and ensure that their perspectives inform its development.
The minister further emphasised the importance of education and training in sustaining the creative industries, noting that continued investment in talent development will help expand the pool of skilled practitioners.
Meanwhile, graduates reflected on their achievements and growth.
Valedictorian of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, Latifa Agard, reflected on her journey through the institute, having graduated with certificates in dance and theatre arts and drama in 2023 and 2025, both with distinction.
She said the opportunity to pursue the associate degree deepened her understanding of theatre and strengthened her ability to contribute to different aspects of theatrical production.
“What began as a diploma pathway developed into an opportunity to achieve something historic, becoming the first to earn an associate degree in theatre arts and drama with distinction right here in Guyana,” Agard said.
She stressed that the creative arts must be recognised as a profession deserving of investment, professional development and national support.
Fellow graduate Joanna Edwards, representing the first batch of students from the Burrowes School of Art, also spoke of the challenges she overcame while balancing her studies, motherhood, and full-time employment as a secondary school teacher.
Edwards credited her family and instructors for their support throughout the programme, noting that their encouragement helped her remain committed to her ambition of earning an art degree.
She encouraged her fellow graduates to continue producing bold and meaningful work, while recognising the responsibility they carry as the first cohort to complete the programme.
The graduates’ achievement reflects the growing opportunities for formal training in the creative arts and the potential for Guyanese artists to contribute to the country’s cultural identity, professional landscape and economic development.
As the government continues to support training, cultural productions, and opportunities for local talent, graduates are expected to play a role in advancing Guyana’s creative industries and inspiring future generations of artists.