Jamaica and Argentina Sign Cooperation Agreement in Arts and Culture

The Governments of Jamaica and Argentina will be strengthening cooperation in the fields of arts and culture.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Jamaica, His Excellency Ariel Fernández, signed an agreement on Thursday (December 7) at the Ministry’s Trafalgar Road offices.

The agreement commits Jamaica and Argentina to participate in and support exchanges in international cultural activities, festivals, exhibitions and other artistic events.

This will involve the exchange of professionals, specialists, researchers, students, and creators in the different fields of culture and art, as well as tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Grange lauded the efforts of the Government of Argentina in strengthening relations with Jamaica.

“Our relationship goes back over half a century, so today, I am especially proud that we can take this very significant step towards signing an agreement on arts and culture, two areas that have been a unifying force for us,” she noted.

Minister Grange said the agreement comes at a time when the Ministry is taking a data-centric approach in the culture and creative industries in order to quantify the contribution of the subsectors to gross domestic product (GDP).

“I am pleased that this agreement focuses on training projects and activities in gathering primary statistical sources, undertaking surveys of customs and cultural consumption, as well as production and distribution of cultural assets,” she said.

Ambassador Fernández welcomed the signing, noting that the last agreement between the two countries was more than 20 years ago.

“Many things have happened between that time and now. We have been working with all our hearts in order to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and its people and that is the most important thing in relation to this agreement,” he said, noting that culture will be the vehicle to solidify the relationship.

“There is a lot to do with this agreement. It is very positive for both countries, particularly for the artistes, musicians and people who work in the creative industries,” he added.