SLYOU Magazine Issue 2 | Page 31

to maintain emphasis on cultural values and support the creative industries to ensure sustainability of the sector. for our creations. These kinds of collaborations are absolutely necessary for our artists to take their talents to bigger stages.” “Our goal as a Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries is to ensure that our creative citizens can realize their potential and maximize the economic benefits which can be generated from our cultural, artistic, innovative and traditional expressions,” Belrose pledged. “We do so through many means and this showcase is one of those opportunities that we afford.” Even painter Naja Simeon, who was selected for the art showcase based on his award-winning work, concurs. But what does a partnership with Prizm really mean for the artists? According to acclaimed sculptor, Jallim Eudovic, the opportunity is as essential as the air artists breathe. “I think it’s vital,” he told me. “We need exposure in the wider world “Being part of the showcase is a very pivotal moment for me. It makes me realize that my work is being seen. It also plays a part in the new age of art in Saint Lucia. We really came out here to impress the visiting curator so that we can get some kind of representation on the American market, which is what we really need right now,” Simeon explained. said she was “very interested and impressed with a few of the artists.” “We’re interested in seeing what the submissions will look like and from there we’ll work with our curatorial committee of five to select which works would be admitted into the fair,” Solomon said. “We’ll then work with Export Saint Lucia to help get the artists’ works to us.” Meanwhile, the Prizm Art Fair founder/director, who told me she was able to survey what several Saint Lucian artists had to offer, www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019 SL-YOU | It’s All About Business 29