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FIFTH PLENARY SESSION:

Culture, common denominator for integral development: Economic empowerment and social inclusion through Culture – Part II

Presented by: Honourable Winston

Gypsy PetersMinister of the Arts

and MulticulturalismTrinidad and Tobago

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Government strategies for : Recognition and insertion of artists in the labour market.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

2Trinidad and Tobago

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Trinidad and Tobago is a country overflowing with talent with thousands of performing, visual and literary artistes working and creating in various genres, several of which are indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago recognises

the potential of our Creative Capital and so, is fully committed to the development of cultural industries especially our creative industries both at home and throughout the region.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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The 2011 budget presented by the Minister of Finance indicated the government's intention to focus much effort on the development of the creative sector. E.g.– with subsidiary activities like the establishment

of the High-Level Expert Panel on the culture sector assigned with a review of the Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment Company and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, and

– Increased support of the work of the newly formed Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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It was United States President John F. Kennedy who once said, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

Trinidad and Tobago’s vision for embracing the Arts is founded on the belief that – “ it is in the arts that the spirit of our people

emerges and that the possibilities inherent in artistic endeavour need to be nurtured.” Framework for Sustainable Development 2011.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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In July 2010, The Government ratified the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) and the Convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This landmark achievement places Trinidad and Tobago as a global partner in the development of the cultural industries.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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• The Ministry has already begun to action these conventions with the establishment of the Remember When Institute, the nation’s repository of its cultural memories. www.culture.gov.tt/rememberwheninstitute

• On the heels of this development, is the establishment of the National Registry of Artists and Cultural Workers. The Registry caters to all artists and cultural workers in Trinidad and Tobago, through registration and certification of works. This facilitates the artists access to the CSME and The EPA.

Remember When Institute

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In September 2010, the government of Trinidad and Tobago made a significant statement to its business sector when it increased the tax break for companies investing in the performing arts from TT$1 million to TT$2 million dollars.

This was done through necessary amendments to the Corporation Tax Act as amended by the Finance Act (Act 91 of 2000).

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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• The Ministry of Trade and Industry manages the T&T Entertainment Company and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company.

• These companies provide the performing, literary, video, animation, and other artists in the entertainment and film sectors with opportunities for the creation and dissemination of their works both locally and abroad.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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• These combined strategies provides the artist with the enabling environment for his recognition and insertion in the marketplace.

• The plethora of local festivals, including the Greatest Show on Earth, Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival which is at the beginning of our Calendar year, also provide a space for the artist in the marketplace. It is in the local space that the artist gets his opportunity to show his talent and get it reviewed.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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• With a festival almost every month the Trinidad and Tobago Artist has ample opportunity to test the audience response to his work.

• The government’s role is to work with the national organisations, and agencies to create an environment which enables this growth and develop standards for the creative sector.

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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Trinidad and Tobago is committed to regional cultural integration and exchanges since this also provides for regional and international insertion of the artist into the marketplace

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism

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Thank You

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism