The issuance of a Certificate of Registration from the National Accreditation Council-Guyana (NACG) to the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) marks a transformative moment for creative education in Guyana. After a two-year process, this milestone ensures that the ICA meets national and international standards, affirming its legitimacy as an educational institution under the National Accreditation Act 12 of 2004. Beyond mere compliance, this recognition symbolises a significant step toward the empowerment of Guyana’s creative professionals and the broader cultural sector.
The registration underscores a commitment to raising educational standards. As Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport , Charles Ramson Jr highlighted during the launch event, this achievement ensures that qualifications earned at the ICA are credible and respected. “Gone must be the days where persons involved in cultural and creative industries are not considered legitimate contributors to our economy,” Ramson emphasised. For too long, creative professionals in Guyana have faced scepticism regarding the legitimacy of their qualifications. The ICA’s registration directly addresses this, abolishing the trend of undervalued creative credentials.
The registration represents a gateway to greater opportunities for ICA students and alumni. With the NACG’s endorsement, the portability of ICA qualifications is significantly enhanced, enabling graduates to pursue further education or employment locally and internationally. This shift not only boosts the employability of creative professionals but also validates the arts as a viable career path, comparable to other academic disciplines.
Dr Marcel Hutson aptly highlighted the confidence this recognition builds among students and their families. The assurance that their qualifications are legitimate and globally recognised will encourage increased enrolment and participation in creative arts programmes. “This recognition builds confidence among students and their families, encouraging enrolment and participation in the creative arts,” Dr Hutson remarked. For young people passionate about art, dance, drama, or music, this is a clarion call to pursue their dreams without fear of their credentials being dismissed.
By aligning with national and international regulations, the ICA’s registration facilitates access to a broader spectrum of opportunities for graduates. International institutions and employers often prioritise credentials from accredited entities. With this registration, ICA graduates are better positioned to secure scholarships, internships, and jobs abroad. This opens doors for cultural exchange, allowing Guyana’s creative talent to showcase their skills on a global stage while learning from diverse artistic traditions.
Additionally, this recognition strengthens the creative arts’ contribution to Guyana’s economic diversification. Cultural industries—including film, fashion, and performing arts – are billion-dollar sectors globally. Guyana’s burgeoning creative professionals, equipped with credible qualifications, can now confidently tap into these markets, bringing both economic and cultural dividends to the nation.
Minister Ramson’s remarks underscored the economic implications of the ICA’s registration. Recognising creative professionals as legitimate contributors to the economy is a paradigm shift for Guyana. The creative sector has the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the country’s cultural visibility. By investing in the arts and ensuring the ICA’s compliance with accreditation standards, Guyana is positioning itself to harness the full potential of its creative workforce.
The ICA’s registration is a step toward its ultimate goal of full accreditation. This journey requires ongoing dedication to academic excellence and institutional development. As Ramson noted, achieving registration was no small feat. It demanded rigorous assessment and the elevation of academic programmes to meet stringent compliance requirements. That the ICA passed these evaluations “with flying colours” is a testament to its commitment to quality education.
Dr Hutson’s emphasis on hard work resonates deeply in this context. Success in the creative arts, like any other field, requires dedication and effort. “To be the best dramatist, the best artist – you have to study,” he stated. The ICA’s registration sends a powerful message to students: that their hard work will be recognised and valued, both at home and abroad.
A recurring challenge for ICA graduates has been the lack of recognition for their qualifications. Dr Hutson highlighted the frustration many faced when their certificates were questioned by other institutions or employers. The NACG registration directly resolves this issue, ensuring that ICA graduates’ qualifications are acknowledged and respected. This not only boosts individual confidence but also elevates the collective status of Guyana’s creative professionals.
The ICA’s registration marks a crucial moment in the evolution of Guyana’s creative sector. It validates the arts as a serious and legitimate field of study and practice, empowering students to pursue their passions with confidence. The ripple effects of this achievement will be felt across the cultural, educational, and economic settings of the country.
