Cabinet has agreed to establish a $250,000 Creative Industries Development Fund to help local artistes and other creatives produce high-quality work capable of reaching international audiences.

The announcement follows the recent Carnival celebrations and forms part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen the economic and cultural contribution of Antigua and Barbuda’s creative sector.

The fund will provide support to soca artistes, calypsonians and other creative professionals seeking to produce and develop work with the potential to generate revenue in regional and international markets.

Cabinet said Antigua and Barbuda possesses considerable creative talent, but strategic investment is needed to help local artistes create professional productions that can compete beyond the domestic market.

The initiative is also intended to support emerging talent and preserve the country’s musical and cultural traditions for future generations.

In a related decision, Cabinet agreed that selected shows affiliated with Antigua and Barbuda Carnival 2027 will be offered on a pay-per-view basis.

The productions will be made available to audiences in Antigua and Barbuda, across the region and internationally.

The initiative is expected to broaden the commercial reach of Carnival and create additional revenue opportunities for artistes, producers and other creative-sector participants.

It will also give Antiguans and Barbudans living overseas, as well as regional and international audiences, greater access to the country’s premier cultural celebration.

Cabinet views the initiative as an opportunity to transform Carnival productions into commercially viable cultural products with a market extending well beyond Antigua and Barbuda.

The Government said the combination of the Creative Industries Development Fund and international pay-per-view access would help unlock the sector’s economic potential while preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural identity.

Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to providing greater opportunities for creatives, professionalising the sector and expanding international exposure for Antigua and Barbuda’s music and culture.