Corporate Guyana has been playing their role in numerous ways in aiding the development of Guyana, this commitment was taken a step further with a substantial contribution of $10M, by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (GT&T), for the publication of ‘The Panorama – A Portrait of Guyana.’ This is the first time the national art collection would be documented.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the three year project took place today at Cara Lodge in the presence of senior staff of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the GT&T. The first publication would be out before the end of the year.
In his remarks, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony noted that the Art Gallery has been engaging is discussions over a period of time for the realization of such an initiative and when the concept was introduced to GT&T’s CEO – Radha Krishna Sharma, he readily accepted to give support. The Minister expressed appreciation to Sharma for his support.
Minister Anthony noted that very often there are exhibitions that are not always largely attended, and the Ministry wants the national and other collections to be viewed by all Guyanese so that they can understand that this is a part of Guyana’s legacy.
He explained that publishing the artwork is a very unique project since more people would be able to what the collection includes and at the same time motivate them to visit the Gallery.
Minister Anthony emphasized that Guyana has a very long art history and these are not just limited to paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Importantly, this history needs to be showcased because nobody is going to write it for us.
The Minister recognized distinguished Guyanese artists, some of whom are not well known. These include Phillip Moore, Winslow Craig, Philbert Gajadar and others who have been able to carve out a niche for themselves.
Some of the active participants in the project will be Oheni Koama, Janelle Osborne, Alim Hussain, Philbert Gajadar, Winslow Craig and the Director of Culture, Dr. James Rose will be supervising the project.
In his remarks Chief Executive Officer, Radha Krishna Sharma noted that culture is a very crucial part of any given society and it should be embraced. He explained that in an effort ensure that these pieces are channeled into the wider society so as to improve appreciation for the total national culture and the talents of the artists, GT&T decided to facilitate such a process.
Sharma pointed out that GT&T recognized the limitations of the Art Gallery’s physical location hence the decision to comply ‘The Panorama – A Portrait of Guyana.’ This book/catalog, in the first instance, will include 52 pieces from the national art collection.
This is not the first time GT&T is collaborating with the Art Gallery, but support was given in the early 2000s to fund the retrieval of art work by Dudley Charles and Phillip Moore which were in storage for over 20 years in London, where they were on exhibition. These pieces are now at the Art Gallery. GT&T was also a partner in the hosting of CARIFESTA X in Guyana and sport related projects.
He emphasized that the GT&T has not only made contributions to the national treasury but has partnered with national institutions to aid their development.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks the third agreement GT&T is engaged in so far for 2014. Earlier in the year GT&T signed two separate MOUs with the University of Guyana ($60M) and THAG ($9M). With regards to the agreement with the University, Sharma noted that GT&T had approached the institution to offer its support. The contribution to the University is the single largest amount of funds donated.
He noted that company has been publishing a seven part series in the dailies regarding what the company has been able to do over the years in the transformation of the telecommunications sector.
Sharma noted that GT&T is committed to supporting the development and sustainability of art and culture in Guyana
http://culture.mcys.gov.gy/gtt-mcys-signs-10m-mou-for-propagation-of-national-art-collection/