The call for a dedicated space for Tobago-based visual artists has resurfaced, with several local artists adding their voices to the cause.
The renewed discussion follows a recent public disagreement between the Tobago House of Assembly and local painter Collis Thomas, who had been operating outside an approved location.
Thomas’ use of an empty space at Store Bay to create and sell his artwork sparked widespread discussion on social media over the past month.
While an agreement has since been reached on where he can operate, President of the Tobago Visual Arts Association (TVAA), Martin Superville, says the issue highlights a much bigger concern for the island’s visual artists.
“The big open area that’s been sitting as a car park could easily be turned in to some kind of art fair. However, Collis has to know that there are people that are paying rent inside Store Bay to sell art and things that he is selling too.”
Mr Superville said a THA-led art fair in the heart of a tourism hotspot will be welcomed. However, the TVAA is working on developing their own creative space in Plymouth.
“We would like here to be that type of place that Hollis can come and even set up here where the buses are passing in cruise ship season.”
The space, however, is in need of renovations. While Mr Superville noted that as an association, they have been able to do some of the work themselves, retired secondary school art teacher Chris Thomas says help is still needed to obtain flooring materials and electrical repairs.
“We do need material, yes, and we have one or two workmen that are giving themselves voluntarily to come and assist. And though it is commendable, we still need assistance with a few of the building infrastructural elements.”
According to Mr Thomas, a designated space for artists is important because many art students do not have a space to develop their craft after completing CAPE or CSEC.
“We have students and a lot of people who were interested in the art who don’t really have a space in which they can go to and seeing that this is Tobago Visual Arts Association, we ourselves need an office space where we could now help these people.”
Mr Superville believes that the island’s creative sector is often overlooked but stands firm that they too are important to other sectors, including tourism.
“If you do not have people… you know, tuning their craft, becoming better at it, and places to support it, you end up like how Hollis is on the side of the street for a space. And we have one; we just need it functioning.”
Currently, the Tobago Reforestation and Watershed Rehabilitation Programme is considering working with the Art Association to assist in developing their space.
As an Association, they remain open to any organisation, in the public or private sector, willing to collaborate toward providing a home for the island’s creatives.