Galleries, museums, and rose-coloured lenses

So many thoughts are vying for attention and each is causing a measure of discomfort.

A provision of $3.6 billion for art and culture. What did the $2.7 billion accomplish last year? Wasn’t there an allocation for an art gallery and museum in that? What did the something of $2.7 billion in 2024 achieve towards a much-needed, modern, and fit-for-purpose gallery and museum space? Now, in 2025, $8 billion for sport and $3.6 billion so the government can “encourage Guyanese to embrace their national identity, take pride in their heritage, and work cohesively to build a thriving society.” I have thoughts of one whose viewing lenses are not rose coloured.

Last year, in 2024, one of the oil folks sponsored in part or full three art exhibitions. In the case of the first, the relevant ‘ministry’ provided the space while the oil folks paid for the banners, the exhibition booklets, and opening night refreshments.