Samantha Marshall, Commonwealth People’s Forum lead, announces Old Catholic Church and School in St John’s as dedicated creative space to come in the near future (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
By Robert Andre Emmanuel
The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, has reportedly earmarked the Old Catholic School and Church, situated near Government House, as a dedicated space for the creative sector to meet, showcase and trade their offerings.
The announcement, made public by former Senator Samantha Marshall, the host country’s Commonwealth People’s Forum lead, was made during the launch of the Commonwealth People’s Forum Creative Arts Initiative earlier today.
Old St. Joseph & St. Patrick’s Catholic Chuck in St. John’s (photo by Google)
Marshall said she made the commitment public, which she said the space should be expected by November 2026, to not only to acknowledge it but to ensure creatives would hold their leaders accountable as plans move from promise to reality.
Sir Rodney Williams and other government and Commonwealth foundation officials in attendance at launch of the Commonwealth People’s Forum Creative Arts Initiative (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
“Yesterday, we were particularly heartened to learn that their excellencies, Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, have earmarked the Old Catholic School and Church, which is situated in the vicinity of the Government House, as a dedicated space for the creatives to meet, showcase, and even trade their offerings,” Marshall said.
These comments formed part of a broader picture of institutional commitment and acknowledgement of the need for creatives to be heard and given a space for growth and development.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told attendees the government’s Deluxe Cinema refurbishment into a $25 million performing arts centre is expected to be completed by September 2026, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) opening.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
Browne also said the government is drafting intellectual property legislation to protect artists within a few months, while he noted the government’s entrepreneurial development fund which provides financing for creatives, alongside developing plans for creative incubators.
The People’s Forum launch, themed How to Make a Commonwealth Quilt, brought together government officials, creative industry representatives and Commonwealth Foundation leadership to formally place culture at the centre of CHOGM 2026 preparations, providing a unique opportunity for Commonwealth citizens to engage directly with each other and to shape both policy and practice.
great move.
Very good cause this space is just like a white elephant
Not sure an old church is the right place for that. What if some of the creatives are doing work of the more “risque” or vulgar type. Surely some other venue would be better. That church could be used as a historical site for tourism instead or for showcasing Christian art in particular since we purportedly have a large practicing Christian population.