The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is pursuing an ongoing mission to unlock the creative sector in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean by dismantling the barriers that stifle its economic and cultural impact. With G20 Insights having predicted that the creative economy could account for a remarkable 10 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, the IDB hosted a hybrid event on June 3 at its headquarters in Washington, DC, aptly entitled ‘Creative Minds in the Caribbean: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities’ to advance strategies for the growth of the region’s creative industries.

Moderated by Tariq Alli, general manager of IDB’s Caribbean Country Department, the discussion gathered a panel of Jamaican experts comprising digital artist Kianne Patrice Hutchinson; executive director of Kingston Creative, Andrea Dempster Chung; and communication and culture-in-development specialist, Deborah A Hickling Gordon.

The panel wasted no time in identifying glaring issues such as a lack of political will, under-appreciation of the sector’s value, and shortcomings in developmental policies and education as formidable challenges that urgently demanded resolution.

Speaking from years of personal experience, digital artist Kianne Patrice Hutchinson brought clarity to the discussion, asserting that “there actually is a plethora of training opportunities, it’s just that they are not being shared widely.”

“There is not great awareness of these training opportunities,” she revealed. “You know, where do they exist, how are they accessed?”

Dempster Chung seized upon this point to further clarify that the educational gap had more to do with issues of professionalisation.

“We operate very informally in the Caribbean, in the creative sector, for a number of reasons and so therefore what Kingston Creative has focused on is really bringing to bear digital education as well as business and entrepreneurial education,” she explained. “And I would add that financial and fintech education is also needed as well as IP [intellectual property] education.”

Dempster Chung passionately advocated for the professionalisation of creatives, the need to formalise and register their businesses, understanding the value of and protecting their intellectual property before venturing into the digital realm, as well as becoming educated on easy access to global markets.

Echoing the sentiments of her fellow panellists, Hickling Gordon reiterated that there was “more training in the Caribbean in the last 10 years for the cultural and creative industries than ever before” arguing that “the issue is we need to be streamlining this training.”

“We need to do a complete training audit in the Caribbean,” she emphasised. “We need to look at what’s available and we need to find ways to streamline the training opportunities so that people can matriculate through the levels of training that exist.”

On the subject of how multilateral institutions such as the IDB can work to overcome developmental gaps in the creative economies, Hickling Gordon urged the IDB to engage with Caribbean governments through Cariforum, Caricom, and diplomatic channels to reshape the perception of creative industries and recognise their importance in development.

The entire panel championed the proactive use of data collection and sharing by multilateral institutions not just as a powerful tool for propelling development but as a means of reshaping perceptions that the sector is not a professional one that can have a profound impact on the economy.

Hickling revealed a recent study conducted by Jampro in Jamaica, which examined the film, animation, and music subsectors. The study highlighted that these three sectors alone contribute a significant 6.09 per cent to the country’s GDP. Moreover, when considering other sectors such as sport, cricket, broadcasting rights, and various aspects of the cultural and creative industries, the potential for surpassing sectors like mining and banking becomes evident.

The communication and culture-in-development specialist emphasised that this kind of data collection has the power to elevate the recognition and esteem of creatives within their sector while “energising the individuals who are doing the things they want to do.”

The industry experts resoundingly agreed on the vital role of creatives in engaging with governments and institutions to mobilise the creative industries. They emphasised the transformative influence individuals and small groups can wield to reach government officials by leveraging social media platforms to amplify their voices. But they also recognised the power of a proactive and organised approach, underscoring the significance of joining forces with organisations to build a strong collective presence to lobby governments.

Hutchinson expressed hopeful enthusiasm for the pay-offs that could be enjoyed if creatives, multilateral institutions and governments work together to eliminate the gaps in the sector.

“We need to have a fundamental and radical shift in our thought and, of course, it will take some key players to lead that because it will take policy, it will take a lot of work, but it is absolutely worth it,” she enthused. “Can you imagine if you have a huge, underdeveloped, underutilised, untapped portion of your population that you can get even greater returns from. That is hugely significant. Conversations like this are a start because it implies will.”

The IDB promotes the value of creativity and culture as drivers of regional development. Through partnerships in the creative industries, outreach initiatives, content development and technical assistance, the organisation lends a hand in establishing the economic value and influence of the sector.