Patterson bats for Faculty of Creative Arts
Published:Monday | January 15, 2024 | 12:10 AM
After handing over the art collection of late philanthropist and businessman Michael Campbell last Wednesday evening, former Prime Minister P J Patterson called for The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona to create a Faculty of the Creative Arts.
“The Faculty of Humanities and Education, CARIMAC, SALISIS all come together and provide a seamless foundation for the exploration for the business of culture and creative heritage which is at an all-time high, and so today, as statesman-in-residence, I want to make a twin appeal,” Patterson said before making the call.
“The time has come for a Faculty of the Creative Arts with appropriate linkages to the Faculty of Humanities. I urge the Mona campus [which was the] first, and at one time, the only campus, to lead the way and ensure that this donation will highlight the enormous potential of the creative economy,” he said.
One of the main reasons for this call, was the fact that the creative economy accounted for 6.1 per cent of global GDP.
In Jamaica, the sector generated US$2.2 billion during 2022 and three per cent of direct and indirect employment.
“It earned more than the services in finance, business, insurance and multifaceted social sciences department,” Patterson said.
“To achieve sustainable development, which is our purpose, we must drive our entrepreneurial and creative skills, which are critical and indispensible elements in our learning as a people,” he said.
The handover of the art collection by Campbell was done at the Faculty of Medical Sciences based on a conversation which started back in 2020 by the deceased businessman and Patterson.
Following Campbell’s passing in September 2023, Patterson ensured his goal of having the paintings donated to the university for students, educators and well-wishers to enjoy, was indeed done.
“I believe that this gift and this ceremony should mark a new chapter that we prioritise our teaching and research the professional skills in order to capitalise on our innate creative talents,” Patterson said.
He also called for the university to find more income-generating solutions regarding art for the campus.
“We cannot squander this legacy,” he said.
Also present at the handover ceremony was Fayval Williams, minister of education and youth and member of parliament for the area in which The UWI, Mona is located.
She said the art collection is a testament to the creative spirit and artistic talent that thrives within our nation and region.
Williams also said the Michael Campbell Art Collection has become a focal point for community engagement through exhibitions, work shops and outreach programmes.
“The collection has helped to nurture the next generation of Jamaican artists and cultivated a greater appreciation for the arts within the local community,” Williams said.
“Art has this amazing ability to break barriers and make us think and feel deeply. It’s a reflection of who we are and stories and our culture,” she said.