Concerns over arts funding and the future of Bocas Lit FestCEFR A2
21 Sept 2025
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Wayne Lee-Sing, Unsplash
Marina Salandy-Brown published a piece first printed on September 17, 2025. She says recent events show a problem in how the country values culture. The National Gas Company reduced funding for steel orchestras in fenceline communities and did not secure the Banyan video archive, which Barbados bought.
Salandy-Brown explains that Bocas Lit Fest relied on NGC as title sponsor from 2012 to 2023. In 2024 NGC gave partial funding and in 2025 gave none. The 2025 festival ran on a shoestring. The festival spends over 10 percent of revenue on compulsory admin costs. The government promised a 2025 subvention but did not send the money. She calls for a new Arts Council and more stable support.
Difficult words
- initiative — A plan or project to achieve something.initiatives
- funding — Money provided for a certain purpose.
- struggle — To have a hard time doing something.struggles
- support — Help or assistance for someone or something.
- festival — An event celebrated with various activities.
- challenge — A difficult task or situation.challenges
- contribution — Something given to help a cause.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think financial support is important for arts initiatives?
- How can local government help arts festivals?
- What are some ways to secure more funding for cultural events?
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