NICH Launches Initiative to Support Belizean Artists

Today, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) unveiled an exciting new project to support Belize’s local artisans. Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca called it “an exciting project” with three key objectives: creating a database of artisans, helping them market their products, and providing opportunities for international export.

Fonseca said, “We want to work with them on marketability; how can we help them to promote that, to market that… We really want to make sure our creative people can make a living.”

He pointed out the importance of supporting Belize’s creative community and added that many artists struggle with marketing their work. “Culture is my business, and this is a key initiative we have focused on at NICH because we understand that so many of our artists are creative people, but they need support in terms of marketing their products,” he added.

The project also highlights the successes of individual artisans, such as Baron Neal, who started his art career in 2004. Neal specialises in Iry’s Butterfly Art and said he enjoys teaching others and creating jobs. “I feel very great because I am inspiring my youth,” he said. His journey went from teaching math to becoming a full-time artist. “I believe my artwork can help people in this world and people in Belize,” he added.

Another artist, Keith Fransisco, said he has been doing his art since 2013. Francisco said this “fantastic initiative” has brought “so many different communities coming together to make this a reality.”