The National Music School is currently being rebuilt as part of the government’s broader plans to strengthen the creative industry through the establishment of recording studios and the expansion of opportunities for local artistes to develop and showcase their talents.
Appearing on Sunday’s Starting Point Podcast, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, announced that the music school is expected to be operational soon.
In addition to the music school, the government is also working to establish several recording studios that are expected to come on stream this year and next year.
The facilities will provide musicians with access to professional recording opportunities and experienced engineers from both Guyana and overseas.
“It gives them an opportunity to have recording time. It also gives them an opportunity to work with some of the best engineers that we can bring into the country, and also utilise what we have here locally, so that they can have the necessary space to develop their talent,” the minister explained.
The government is also focused on providing more public platforms for artistes through various activities.
Reference was made to the One Guyana Concert being hosted at the National Stadium in Providence as part of the ongoing Guyana Festival celebrations, which puts local performers on a large stage before hundreds of people.
Minister Jacobs noted that performing on major stages helps musicians to build confidence and strengthen their ability to navigate professional environments.
He disclosed that the government is also examining copyright legislation to better protect musicians and position them to benefit financially from their work.
Support for musicians extends throughout the year through competitions, monarch events, concerts and other engagements facilitated by the ministry.
Additionally, young artistes are benefitting from opportunities in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.
“There are a lot of functions and activities, and then hotel opportunities that our young musicians also benefit from. It’s a whole package of which we’re working extremely hard on,” the minister stated.
The government is exploring regional collaboration and exchange programmes with Caribbean artistes and music professionals. Discussions are also ongoing with stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate greater collaboration between Guyanese and regional talent.
The administration aims to expand opportunities for international artistes to collaborate with local musicians, similar to recent engagements involving Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel during his visit to Guyana.