Jamaica’s cultural and creative industries generated a whopping US$2.2 billion in earnings during 2022, according to the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange.
Speaking at the second staging of the Jamaica Creative Career Expo, which was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, Minister Grange revealed that the sector accounted for 5.2% of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) and created three percent of direct and indirect employment.
“The United Nations has estimated that the Global Creative Industries generate in excess of US$2 trillion in annual revenue and account for nearly 50 million direct and indirect jobs,” Minister Grange added.
To stimulate continued exponential growth in the sector, the Ministry’s Jamaica Creative Division has been established to represent all sectors within the entertainment, cultural, and creative industries. According to the Minister, the Jamaica Creative Division will have a council with representatives from the various ministries and private sectors to coordinate a joined-up approach to addressing the sector’s needs.
Ms. Grange said the body has produced a draft Cultural and Creative Industries Act, which will facilitate synergy throughout the sector. Further, Jamaica Creative has facilitated practical learning opportunities for young and aspiring creatives through the provision of internships with companies and institutions in the sector.
The Expo, which was attended by scores of tertiary and high-school students who are interested in pursuing studies in the areas of Culture and Creative Industries (CCI), was organized by Jamaica Creative to improve the engagement and development of CCI stakeholders and public-private partnerships.
“My Ministry is operating at the local and international levels to ensure the development and growth of our creative sector and to ensure that opportunities are available for those who can earn, create jobs and make a significant contribution to the country’s gross domestic product based on their creative expressions and talent,” said Minister Grange.
