The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has a roster of activities planned to target youths and encourage their involvement in the arts.

A press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said the programmes will empower youths and spark their interest in the various art forms and in the preservation of the nation’s heritage.

Under the stewardship of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, the National Trust has undertaken a heritage preservation programme that includes the revival and promotion of the country’s heritage sites and enhancing landmarks such as the Dutch site at Fort Island.

The Trust is also embarking on publications highlighting the heritage sites through the publication of more than 15 different brochures, which promise to be informative to secondary school students.

The brochures will include photographs and information on the cannons that were used in times of war and the symbolic significance of their placement in the compounds of the National Assembly and the Guyana Police Force Headquarters at Eve Leary. Anthony said other publications will highlight Guyana’s craft history and the techniques as demonstrated, mainly, by the indigenous peoples.

The National Museum is also expected to host several exhibitions this year, particularly during the Cricket World Cup in March.

It has listed an exhibition showcasing the history of cricket in Guyana; with several never-before-seen photographs of the country’s veteran cricket stars. GINA said Anthony also plans to restore the Theatre Guild in Kingston, once the hub of theatrical performance in the country.

The ministry also intends to strengthen the programmes at the Burrowes School of Art and the National School of Dance.

The art school will, from this year, host exhibitions with the hope of attracting a number of artists from the Caribbean.

This, Anthony, said will also allow youth artists the opportunity to display their works at other galleries.

The dance school will host a series of workshops on the various art forms in dance. The workshops will be hosted at the National Cultural Centre and at other venues countrywide.

Anthony also said that youth groups in several communities will benefit from programmes including club formation, organisation, management and constitution.