Evolutionary Shift: The Transition from Reggae Music Stronghold to Creative Economic Center, Island-wide
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In a bid to foster the creative industries globally, the Global Creative Economy Council (GCEC) is actively engaging with various regions, including Egypt and Central Asia. One such region making strides in this area is Jamaica, which is proactively advancing initiatives and policies to develop its creative economy and tackle brain drain challenges in the cultural sector.
Andrea Dempster Chung, Co-founder and executive director of Kingston Creative, authored an article highlighting these developments. The GCEC member from Egypt, Omar Nagati, also contributed insights from a study into the creative industries in Egypt.
One key initiative is the new Funding Program for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs. A partnership between Jamaica’s National Commercial Bank Foundation (NCF) and the Caribbean Development Bank’s Creative Industries Investment Fund (CIIF) provides Mobility Assistance Grants to support artists and creative enterprises participating in CARIFESTA XV, a major regional cultural festival. This funding prioritizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong business case and growth potential, helping them showcase talents internationally and build sustainable careers.
The Jamaican government is also focusing on the Orange Economy, recognising its potential for economic growth and job creation. Informed by experts like Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, the government is advocating for the development of cultural districts and multi-purpose entertainment zones, including plans for infrastructure like a sports and reggae museum and enhancing Kingston as a creative city.
Despite challenges in policy and investment frameworks, improved policy coherence and data are essential to unlocking growth and addressing structural issues related to brain drain and underinvestment. Programs like "Digital Jamaica" support entrepreneurship and productivity in the creative sector, leveraging digital technology to foster business sustainability, although this is still evolving. Additionally, regional platforms like the Caribbean Creators Expo help artists access broader Caribbean markets and networks, promoting talent retention within the region.
While not explicitly focused on brain drain, these initiatives collectively respond to creative sector challenges by expanding financial support, market access, infrastructure, and policy environments necessary to retain and grow creative talent in Jamaica. The emphasis on funding, infrastructure, and enabling business ecosystems strongly imply efforts to mitigate this issue by creating conducive conditions for cultural practitioners to thrive within Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
Jamaica's music industry, with its global reputation, contributes significantly to the economy, despite most of its economic activity being domiciled offshore. The country's rich culture, including Bob Marley's birthplace and the origin of five major music genres, attracts over 4 million visitors per year. With two major reggae festivals, Sumfest and Rebel Salute, and 16 in Italy, Jamaica's cultural influence is undeniable.
The Global Creative Economy Council, introduced by John Newbigin, plays a crucial role in understanding and promoting the creative industries globally. Hasan Bakhshi and Rehana Mughal explain the goals and functioning of the GCEC, which also includes the British Council's work in Central Asia, focusing on education and the creative economy.
Despite ranking second in the world for 'human flight and brain drain', with a rating of 9.5 out of 10 in 2023, Jamaica's commitment to nurturing its creative economy offers hope for a brighter future.
[1] National Commercial Bank Foundation and Caribbean Development Bank's Creative Industries Investment Fund partnership
[2] Jamaica's focus on the Orange Economy
[3] Caribbean Creators Expo
[4] Digital Jamaica
[5] Omar Nagati's study into the creative industries in Egypt
- The partnership between Jamaica’s National Commercial Bank Foundation and the Caribbean Development Bank’s Creative Industries Investment Fund aims to provide Mobility Assistance Grants for artists and creative enterprises.
- Jamaica is emphasizing the development of the Orange Economy, recognizing its potential for economic growth and job creation.
- Regional platforms like the Caribbean Creators Expo help artists access broader Caribbean markets and networks, promoting talent retention within the region.
- Programs like "Digital Jamaica" support entrepreneurship and productivity in the creative sector, leveraging digital technology to foster business sustainability.
- Omar Nagati, a GCEC member from Egypt, contributed insights from a study into the creative industries in Egypt.
- Improved policy coherence and data are essential to unlocking growth and addressing structural issues related to brain drain and underinvestment in the creative economy.
- Jamaica's rich culture, including its music industry and various heritage sites, attracts over 4 million visitors per year.
- The Global Creative Economy Council, including the British Council’s work in Central Asia, focuses on education and the creative economy.
- Despite ranking second in the world for 'human flight and brain drain', Jamaica's commitment to nurturing its creative economy offers hope for a brighter future.
- The Jamaican government is advocating for the development of cultural districts and multi-purpose entertainment zones, including plans for infrastructure like a sports and reggae museum.
- The global creative industries are being actively engaged by the Global Creative Economy Council in various regions, including Egypt and Central Asia, for fostering their growth.
