Grange Urges Diaspora Backing for Jamaica Creative Economy Foundation

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is urging Jamaicans abroad to join national efforts to close a $5 billion funding shortfall that continues to restrict growth across the island's creative industries.

The push comes as the Government prepares a new financing vehicle — the Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation — aimed at channelling investment into the sector and widening opportunities for local talent.

Portfolio Minister Hon. Olivia Grange delivered the message in a video address to the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James, on Wednesday (June 17). She asked members of the diaspora to back the proposed Foundation, which officials intend to use to fund creative ventures, protect Jamaica's cultural heritage, and strengthen institutions operating in the field.

"This will address the $5-billion financing gap identified in the 2025 Blue Dot Culture and Creative Industry (CCI) Survey Report that prevents 88 per cent of our creative practitioners from accessing the capital they need to scale their work and grow the creative economy at the speed that our talent creates," Ms. Grange explained.

The Foundation is one of three major reform pillars under the proposed National Policy for Culture, Entertainment and the Creative Economy. It is expected to be established through the forthcoming Entertainment, Culture and Creative Economy Act.

"So, I call on the diaspora to build stronger to the next level with us by investing in the Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation. My vision is that the Foundation will accept diaspora investment through structured vehicles, cultural bonds, impact investment instruments, and co-financing arrangements," the Minister stated.

Alongside the Foundation, Ms. Grange outlined plans for the Institute for Cultural Practitioners, Innovators, Entertainers, and Creatives, which will serve as the second pillar of the policy framework. The Institute is expected to operate as a centre of excellence for training, innovation, and professional development across the creative industries.

It will provide flexible learning options, including micro-credential programmes that allow practitioners to upgrade their skills while remaining active in their careers.

"This is an important initiative which members of the diaspora can support through their expertise… through your mentorship and your networks. We welcome your engagement as lecturers, as well as curriculum advisors and industry partners," Ms. Grange stated.

The third pillar is the proposed Entertainment, Culture and Creative Economy Act itself. Minister Grange said the legislation is intended to formally recognise and strengthen Jamaica's creative industries.

She indicated that the Act is expected to put systems in place to measure and track the sector's economic contribution, strengthen protections for creative practitioners, streamline government engagement with industry stakeholders, and encourage closer collaboration with the private sector.