The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday marked a historic milestone with the official groundbreaking of the Creative Arts Centre, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming and strengthening the nation’s cultural and creative industries.
The project, championed by Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy, Hon. Samal Duggins, is set to become the largest integrated creative hub in the Eastern Caribbean. The purpose-built facility will support a wide range of disciplines, including cultural heritage, performing arts, visual arts and craft, culinary arts, film and media, literary arts, gaming and innovation, cosmetics arts, and arts administration.
Addressing stakeholders, creatives, and partners at the ceremony, Minister Duggins said the Centre represents more than physical infrastructure, describing it as a decisive shift in how creativity is valued in national development.
“Today, we are not just breaking ground on a building — we are affirming a belief,” Minister Duggins said. “A belief that creativity will no longer be treated as a hobby or a side note. Today, we affirm that the creative sector will be a central pillar of a prosperous future for St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The Creative Arts Centre is expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases, while providing structured opportunities for creative professionals and strengthening the creative economy as a viable driver of growth.
Minister Duggins noted that the project fulfils a long-standing commitment he made to the creative community, rooted in his own experience as a creative practitioner.
“This is not just a building — it is a creative ecosystem,” he said. “A home for our artists, innovators, and cultural practitioners. It is a promise kept to the creatives of this country.”
He also commended the Creative Task Force for its role in shaping the project through extensive consultation, ensuring the facility reflects the real needs of creatives across disciplines and generations. Acknowledgement was also given to Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew and Cabinet, the Citizenship by Investment Unit, and Prime Developments for their leadership and partnership in bringing the vision to fruition.
The Creative Arts Centre forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy, empower young people, and position St. Kitts and Nevis as a regional leader in culture, innovation, and creative enterprise.
As construction gets underway, the project stands as a tangible example of the Government’s commitment to translating vision into action and delivering meaningful outcomes for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.