Culture, arts receives $1.3B from Budget 2022

The Government has budgeted some $1.3B to further advance a harmonious and productive
society, thus allowing Guyana to soon see a significant boost in its culture and arts sector.
President Irfaan Ali has stated that the development of culture requires a bottom-up approach of
community engagement.  Ali noted that his government is committed to building a more
inclusive society, in which diversity is celebrated and citizens coexist in harmony.
Over 200 artistes benefited from 16 virtual events including the One Guyana Concert as well as
the Guyana Talent Search in 2021, which were aimed at developing and showcasing Guyanese
creative prowess. As such, a total of $157.7M is allocated for the hosting of these events with
Guyana Cultural Festival being added this year.
It was disclosed that another $7.5M was budgeted for the observance of the National Trust’s
50th anniversary. Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh said to improve and showcase the nation’s
arts and entertainment, government is examining options to expand the reach of young and
emerging artistes.  “The expansion and strengthening of the arts programmes in schools and
integrating an expanded community model is expected to benefit our young people across the
school system,” Dr. Singh said.
He continued, “In 2022…we have budgeted $1.3 billion to directly support culture and arts in
Guyana including $100 million to establish a fund to promote culture and the arts.”  The
finance minister during his Budget 2022 presentation in the National Assembly last Wednesday,
revealed that an allocation of $841.3M is set aside to the Culture, Youth and Sport’s Ministry
Youth Department to empower Guyana’s youths in 2022.
“Government is committed to this important segment of our population, our youth, our future,
through targeted education including practical and life skills training, community engagements
and representation in national and international events,” Dr. Singh stressed.
It was pointed out that approximately 3,390 young people were trained in areas including
robotics, civic education, and job readiness, with over $100M being expended in 2021. The
government also operationalised the Youth Entrepreneur and Mentorship Programme, formerly
known as the Youth Innovation Programme of Guyana and promised to expand the programme
to accommodate 85 grants at a total value of $85M.