Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches the Turks and Caicos Islands National Artist Registry

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, through the Department of Culture, has launched the Turks and Caicos Islands National Artist Registry, a national digital database designed to formally recognise, catalogue, and promote the country’s creatives.

The Registry provides a central, searchable platform for artists, musicians, cultural practitioners, and creative businesses. It strengthens visibility, supports access to opportunities, and positions Turks and Caicos talent for greater local and international engagement.

 Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, hailed the initiative as a transformative investment in national development stating, “The National Artist Registry formally recognises our creatives as essential contributors to national development. For too long, many have been creating and innovating without the systems needed to support their growth. This Registry changes that.”

She added that the platform aligns with Vision 2040, the Citizens’ Contract, and the National Culture & Heritage Policy, helping Government support youth empowerment, education planning, cultural investment, and heritage protection.

 Director of Culture, Odessa Forbes, noted: Our creatives shape our identity and preserve our culture. This Registry provides a formal platform that supports their development and ensures our culture remains visible, valued, and lived.”

The National Artist Registry aims to improve cultural governance, ensure fair access to opportunities, support professionalisation within the creative sector, and safeguard cultural expression for future generations. Approved registrants receive a public-facing profile functioning as a professional portfolio, allowing promoters, institutions, and audiences to connect directly with artists for bookings, commissions, collaborations, and performances.

 Registered artists gain access to:

• Participation in cultural festivals and government-led events

• Eligibility for training, grants, and funding under the Department’s Grants and Contributions Programme

• Consideration for Performing and Visual Arts scholarships

• Access to MSME funding through Invest TCI

• Eligibility for the upcoming Cultural Ambassador Programme

Registration is free, and applicants must submit a short bio, proof of status, samples of work, and contact details. Applications are processed within 7-14 business days.