Maria Browne: Culture Deserves Infrastructure and Creatives Deserve Opportunity

Minister for Housing and Works Maria Browne has described the National Performing Arts Centre as a declaration that the dreams of Antigua and Barbuda’s creative people deserve investment and opportunity.

Addressing the facility’s official opening on October 23, Browne said national development must include the infrastructure that allows cultural talent to flourish.

“That creativity has economic value. That culture deserves infrastructure. And that talent must never be limited by the absence of opportunity,” she said.

Browne said transforming the former Deluxe Cinema reflected a deliberate decision to provide a national home for the arts.

She credited Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet with recognising the potential of the property and pursuing the investment despite criticism of its acquisition.

The minister said the responsibilities of Housing and Works extend beyond construction to improving lives, expanding access and creating opportunities.

She placed the theatre alongside housing, roads, drainage and other public infrastructure as an example of how government policy takes physical form.

Browne argued that economic progress must be accompanied by attention to national identity, with artists helping to preserve history, interpret experiences and tell the country’s stories.

She highlighted the young dancer, emerging actor, musician, poet, playwright, producer and creative entrepreneur whose prospects could be strengthened by access to a suitable venue.

The minister paid special tribute to Rawdon Turner for managing the project and thanked Cynthia Laviscount, National Housing staff, Public Works personnel, contractors, artisans and technical teams.

She urged those responsible for programming the centre to keep it active with music, movement, learning and performance.

Browne said the ministry’s wider work would continue through additional housing, road improvements, renewed public spaces and national institutions.