Government pushing local art

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
I thought deeply of the fact that, not too long ago, the culture, youth and sport minister proposed funds to help showcase the work of artists. It went kind of unnoticed when in my view it should have stirred up a lot of interest.
Research has shown that study and participation in the fine arts are integral components in improving learning throughout all academic areas. Evidence of its effectiveness lies in reducing student dropout, raising student attendance, developing better team players, fostering a love for learning, improving greater student dignity, enhancing student creativity, and producing a more prepared citizen for the workplace.
This can be found documented in studies held in many varied settings from school campuses. Fine arts are also beneficial to the educational process. The arts develop neural systems that produce a broad spectrum of benefits ranging from fine motor skills to creativity and improved emotional balance. Whether or not he realises it, the culture minister is really onto something fabulous.
Now, the idea is like at the top end. The first ever commemorative catalogue, celebrating the artists who participated in the 2012 Guyana Visual Arts Competition was launched. The 60-page document, features pictures of the work of the various artists, a short synopsis of each artist’s biography, and contact information. It also has a citation from the late renowned Guyanese artist Phillip Moore, a synopsis of a lecture by Theresa Hadchity, and messages from the president, the culture minister and University of Guyana’s Alim Hosein. The scope here is tremendous.
This document was compiled and produced by the Guyana Visual Arts Committee with support from many goodwill sponsors.
Now it is all about marketing work and then pushing for arts instruction from an early age. I like the idea of elevating the arts. It is not merely incidental, as we now know. Thus it should get deeply into the school system.
Yours truly,
Alethea Cummings

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