Government to Implement Creative Education Pathway

The Government has announced plans to implement a creative education pathway designed to formalise Jamaica’s creative education system and develop a skilled cultural workforce.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator, Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said the initiative includes the establishment of three performing arts secondary schools and a Cultural Apprenticeship Programme, with the latter being implemented in partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust.

“We are building a pipeline of creative professionals and institutions that nurture talent from the earliest years, refine it through specialised education, propel it into professional practice, and link it to markets, both locally and globally,” she said.

The Minister was speaking at the 31st staging of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Marcus Garvey Awards for Excellence in the Performing Arts, held at the Little Theatre on October 15.

Senator Morris-Dixon described the initiatives as a transformative step in creating structured opportunities for Jamaican youth to turn their talent into viable careers, while strengthening the creative economy and contributing to national development.

The performing arts schools will integrate academic and artistic disciplines, offering programmes in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and media.

One institution will be established in each County to ensure islandwide access. Additionally, 200 individuals will receive mentorship and hands-on training in areas such as stagecraft, film, and cultural management through the Cultural Apprenticeship Programme.

“This programme will ensure that raw talent is refined. We have young people who want to be in creative spheres but it’s hard for them to access the right opportunities. It’s important that we create a bridge between established professionals and those aspiring to enter the industry,” the Minister said.

Participants in the apprenticeship programme will receive a monthly stipend of $70,000 during their training period.

Senator Morris-Dixon also highlighted the global impact of the creative industries, noting that they generate more than US$2 trillion in revenue annually and support nearly 50 million jobs worldwide.

She added that Jamaica is well positioned to harness its cultural capital as a driver of inclusive economic growth.