JAMAICA'S Creative Renaissance: The Michael Campbell Art Collection Ignites New Possibilities at UWI

KINGSTON, Jamaica January 12, 2024 -  Statesman in Residence at the University of the West Indies, former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has hailed as a visionary step forward for Jamaica's creative economy, the $US2.3 million dollars Michael Campbell art collection recently donated to the Mona campus of  the University of the West Indies (UWI).

 This philanthropic gesture, occurring during the University's 75th Anniversary celebrations, was commended by Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson as a landmark event, showcasing the island's burgeoning potential in the creative and cultural sectors.

Patterson, in his address at the Handover Ceremony, lauded Michael Campbell's foresight and dedication as a patron of the arts. "Michael Campbell's collection is not just an assemblage of art; it is a narrative of our nation's soul, chronicling our trials, triumphs, and aspirations," he remarked. The former Prime Minister emphasized the collection's potential to ignite a renaissance in the creative economy, underscoring the importance of the arts in the nation's future development.

In recent years, Jamaica's economy has witnessed a transformative shift, with the cultural and creative industries emerging as pivotal drivers of economic growth and innovation. He  pointed out that the creative economy accounts for 6.1% of global GDP. 

In Jamaica, the sector generated us$2.2 billion during 2022 and 3% of direct and indirect employment.  It earned more than the services in finance, business, insurance and construction combined.

This sector, which encompasses a broad spectrum of artistic and cultural activities, has begun to outshine traditional economic mainstays such as other extractive industries. Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson underscored this paradigm shift in his remarks, highlighting the collection's role in catalyzing this transition.

"The donation of the Michael Campbell art collection to our prestigious University of the West Indies is not just a cultural milestone; it's an economic beacon," Patterson noted. "It signifies the growing recognition of the creative industries as the bedrock of Jamaica's future economy." Indeed, the creative sector in Jamaica has shown remarkable resilience and growth, contributing significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing employment opportunities to a substantial portion of the population.

The collection, comprising 261 works by 67 Jamaican artists, represents a profound tapestry of the nation's artistic journey. It spans several decades, capturing the essence of Jamaica's cultural and social evolution. 

The oldest piece, Albert Huie's "Road Workers" from 1944, anchors the collection, symbolizing the steadfast spirit and resilience of the Jamaican people. This diverse array of artworks embodies the island's rich heritage, serving as a beacon of inspiration for students, scholars, and visitors alike.

The integration of the Campbell collection into UWI's curriculum promises to revolutionize academic exploration in the fields of arts and humanities. The Mona School of Business and Management, along with the Social Sciences Department and Faculty of Humanities and Education, are poised to leverage this resource, fostering interdisciplinary studies and research in cultural and creative heritage. 

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the current global surge in the creative economy, which, as Patterson noted, contributed significantly to Jamaica's GDP in the previous year.

This economic surge is underpinned by Jamaica's rich cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy, elements that the Campbell collection embodies and celebrates. By integrating this collection into its academic framework, UWI Mona is poised to play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of creative professionals.

The University's diverse faculties are uniquely positioned to blend traditional academic rigor with innovative artistic expression, fostering a new breed of entrepreneurs and artists who can lead Jamaica's creative economy to new heights.

As Jamaica continues to navigate the challenges of a globalized economy, the creative industries offer a promising and sustainable path forward. The Michael Campbell art collection, with its historical depth and cultural significance, serves as a springboard for this exciting journey, symbolizing the potential of creativity and innovation to reshape the nation's economic landscape.

Mr. Patterson said the time had come for a Faculty of the Creative Arts with appropriate linkage to the Faculty of Humanities, and  urged the Mona Campus to lead the way and ensure that this donation will highlight the enormous potential of the creative economy.

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