The partnership was officially established on February 20, 2012 at a planning meeting between London Office Director Mr. Kedrick Malone and 26 artists at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports’ conference room. The meeting was held in

advance of the upcoming BVI Art and Culture Show at BVI House in London in July.

The collective discussed plans to help the artists increase sales of the BVI art in the UK and is expected to benefit the wider art community. Among the planned

activities are an Artists’ Workshop at HLSCC from March 2 - 6 and a public lecture on the Business of Art on March 4, also at HLSCC.

The workshop and lecture will be facilitated by Art Curator, Mrs. Ziggi Golding, an art expert living in London of West Indian heritage, who specialises in contemporary

photography, art development, art sales and photography copyright. Mrs. Golding has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the London art market.

Local artist Mr. Reuben Vanterpool will serve as Local Coordinator and provide

Mrs. Golding with technical and organisational support.

Speaking to Department of Information and Public Relations about the workshop, Mr. Vanterpool said, “Participants will be able to benefit from invaluable information and advice about the art market in the United Kingdom. Additionally, it is hoped that this event will provide an effective rallying point for practising artists that will result in consolidation of the presently fragmented artists groups and alignments into a single

vibrant body.”

Regarding Mrs. Golding’s lecture on March 4, President of HLSCC Dr. Karl Dawson said, “HLSCC is pleased to be part of this collaborative effort with the BVI London Office aimed at developing our local artists and creating new outlets for their work. The experience and reputation of Mrs. Ziggy Golding positions her to share

meaningfully with the audience. I hope that artists, aspiring artists and lovers of art will come out and be enriched.”

According to the London Office Director, “The overall goal of the planned

activities is to expand the marketability of BVI art locally, regionally and internationally and to make initiatives like the BVI Art and Culture exhibition in London profitable for the artists and self funding. The upcoming workshop and public lecture will support this objective and the wider development of the arts in the Territory.”

Persons may call Mr. Reuben Vanterpool for more information at 543-8557 or the

International Affairs Secretariat in the Premier’s Office at 468-2152 under which the BVI London Office operates.