Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett
Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett is confident that Barbados can enjoy similar success in the worldwide fashion industry as it has done in the visual and performing arts.
Speaking during the Face of Shabeau/The Caribbean Channel 2010 fashion show at the Hilton Hotel last weekend, he cited designer Antonio Cumberbatch, as one Barbadian whose work is making a major impression on the international fashion scene.
Mr. Blackett stressed that the local industry had tremendous potential for export to the world market, however, he believes that this could only be realised if the major players in local fashion adopted a collaborative approach.
"Others are showing interest in locally produced cotton and now dyes…. These are all manifestations of the artists’ understanding of the potential gain inherent in an integrated approach. They demonstrate an understanding also, that unique, authentic Barbadian products will be infinitely more attractive to discerning buyers in the global marketplace."
The Culture Minister also applauded the creative talents of Barbadians, noting that the success of the performing arts on the international scene is evident with musicians and performers such as Rihanna, Hal Linton, Nicholas Brancker and Arturo Tappin.
Mr. Blackett added that local visual artists have been staging successful exhibitions and making significant sales abroad, while one of the leading musical training institutions, Berkeley, has recruited students from Barbados. askeete@barbados.gov.bb