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by pltm
The arts and its various disciplines that exist in the British Virgin Islands are highly regarded as lively, vibrant and cultural, by persons of both the private and public sector.
“I think the arts in the BVI are a very unique thing; so many talented persons here,” said J. Nappier.
Sadly, the artistes behind it all say something quite differently.
In conducting interviews with persons across various disciplines in the arts industry within the Territory, BVI Platinum News gathered that the arts industry is barely surviving, due to lack of support, financial resources and respect. Many artistes argue that there is no support from residents here in the Territory, noting that persons view their talent as a hobby, rather than a profession or a talent worth being compensated for.
Lavanta Thompson, a local poet expressed her disgust, noting that among all the other talents that fall under the arts, poets are often placed at the bottom of the scale.
She highlighted that poets and artistes of other disciplines in other countries are regarded as skilled artisans and are compensated for their performances, but added that that is not the case in the BVI.
(PLTM) - “Persons often talk you down. There is no support or love for poets and other persons of the arts. We are just nice space holders on programmes to make events look good. When it comes down to compensation, not even that we are offered.”
Lavanta added, “You know you are good with the amount of invitations you get, but to not even be considered for some kind of stipend, that is an insult to you and your craft. This is not a hobby. We need more support from the private and public sectors.”
Alton Bertie, local Music Producer here in the Territory, joined with Lavanta, noting that genuine support is not there and respect is missing as well.
From his point of view, he explained that for the mere fact the arts is a cultural aspect of any country, support garnered from locals are vain and convenient.
He added that if an individual decides to make their skill a main income earner, that’s where the support stops.
“Once you’re in the arts and you’re thinking about making it a full time career, they [locals] won’t support you. People here don’t think you can make a career out of your respective art. They support you on a cultural level, but the support stops after your make your talent your profession and compensation is now involved.”
As a Music Producer, Bertie is often questioned how he makes a living, as persons are skeptical about the arts being a practical income earner.
“This is not a hobby for me, this is my job. I don’t deliver favours. People come to you for your work, you should be compensated.”
Artistes Are Exploited and Expendable
Among the rants and cries for more support, artistes also noted that they are often exploited.
As local acts, exposure is key in this trade. Artists explained that organizers often take advantage of their skill by playing the ‘it’s good exposure for you’ card, to dodge the thought of ever offering any payment.
As highlighted by Lavanta, artistes are expendable, noting that if an artiste sums up the courage to charge for their work, they are left behind and another act, who would be free, would take their place.
In relation to this, Bertie explained that at the end of the day, it is the events and organizers who are gaining more than the act itself.
This argument was also put forward by local dance instructor, Diandra Jones.
Meanwhile, Bertie went on to note that artistes have to be aware of the worth of their product and know when they are at the point where they have surpassed the need for minor exposure.
“Knowing the importance of exposure, event planners take advantage of artistes all the time. We have to make sure our product is good enough and unique, because they see us as expendable and disposable. They quickly move on to the next persons when you state your grounds.”
He added, “There is a point in everyone’s career when they know they don’t need exposure. Exposure doesn’t pay bills.”
Stifling Others
The lack of support to those already immersed in the arts is said to be the main factor that is stifling young and potential artistes throughout the BVI.
As artisans in the Territory are often regarded as struggling, this is not viewed as a field persons would willingly enter, or want to make a profession out of it. This was noted to eventually lead to the extinction of the arts on a whole.
Concerned, Lavanta said, “There is so much talent out there, but persons are afraid to step out and express themselves.
She added, “It’s a passion for me, so I can’t stop. Of course I would love more support and recognition for my work and for the work of other artistes, but it's a part of me; I’ll never stop.”
The Solution Is To Unite
Artistes are beginning to wise up and realize that in order to mainstream their respective talents, all the arts have to band together and combine their efforts to promote each other, for the survival of the industry.
“We can’t wait for persons to do it for us. We have to come together and do it for ourselves. We have to come together to heighten the awareness of our presence and our talents,” said Lavanta.
Jermain James, local poet and rapper joined with his colleague to reinforce the message that as a union, the arts would be unstoppable.
“We need more exposure and support. Joining together and forming something similar to an Arts Union would assist the arts in the Territory in general. We all come together and promote our own talents and work. With more exposure, more efforts and more strength, I see more opportunities coming from throughout the region and internationally.”
Various artisans shared that by joining together, opportunities to host talent showcases and exhibitions would be much more practical and easy.
Knowing first-hand the strength of the arts when its disciplines are merged, Gonneke VandemKieboom of Curacao, creator of Creative Labs is currently in the Virgin Islands to assist in bringing artistes together and strengthening their brands individually and collectively.
“By working together, the arts is a force to reckon with when it comes to creativity and innovation. By collaborating, you start upgrading the outcome, people learn from each other and there is so much growth.”
She noted that there are a lot of talented artistes in the Territory and shared that during her time spent on the islands, she too gathered that persons see local artistes as persons with hobbies.
“That shouldn’t be. It’s a serious business. It is a life profession and it is highly respected everywhere else. We need to get that turned around.”
Diandra, in agreement with the advantages of an Arts Union or Association, noted that it also increases the possibility for an Arts Center in the Territory.
“There is truly a need for a performance and work space in the BVI. A lot of performances are taking place at the college, which is often limited in space and the Briercliffe Hall is deteriorating in quality. The arts is underfunded and under-supported, and in working together, pushing forward as a force, we can together invest in ourselves and in infrastructure.”
This too is a dream for a local painter, who shared that with support and strength, the possibility of a National Arts Center is practical.
“We can’t wait on the government to do everything for us. This is our bread and butter, and we have to make it work for us no matter what. We have potential and the skill set to make it regionally and internationally. I have seen some amazing painters, dancers, poets and the works here. We just need to help each other along the way, along with more support.”
He noted, “Through collaboration, I see us with our own facilities and equipment to have our own events; operate on our own terms. A union will be great. That’s the best way to keep the arts moving.”
Make The Product Sellable
Various artistes are currently in the process of re-branding and redesigning there products and services that will be more appetizing to businesses and individuals.
According to local painter Carol Smith, many establishments, such as hotels, have stated that local paintings, books and music are not up to international standards to be sold at their establishments.
In light of this, Smith has hosted and continue to host workshops and developmental sessions for local artistes to step up their game with their products, as it relates to their packaging and branding.
“For us to put value to our work, we have to strengthen ourselves, our craft and our product. How we package our self is key,” she said.
Smith added, “We need to package our things on a level that is sellable. We need to be innovative in our approach. I encourage poets to print snippets of their work on t-shirts, mugs or something; it doesn’t always have to be in a book.”
As a solution to this issue, Smith operates a store that sells only local paintings, books, crafts, music and other pieces.
The store, opened in May of this year, is geared towards promoting local artistes and providing them with a platform where their work can be showcased and sold.
“We have to realize that we ourselves as individuals cannot make much change. We have to come together and go forward as a force.”
Smith added, “The community takes us for granted, they do take what we do as value. Persons in the community tell you to your face that they like what you do, but to support you financially, to buy your product, they would never and that hurts my feelings.”
She added, “They don’t believe in us as they say. It is difficult, as an artiste you can’t invest as you like when you’re not getting the support you need. As a painter, some persons think all we do is play with crayons or paint all day. It takes creativity, emotion and hard work to do what we do. We create a genre of pleasure.”
Smith shared that the store is about to launch a website, where both locals and persons abroad can have access online to pieces and services rendered by talented local artistes.
“There is great potential in the arts in the BVI and awareness and respect is key.”
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