President David Granger opened the 2017 Visual Arts Exhibition at Castellani House, the National Art Gallery, on Thursday evening and he said he has been practicing “art diplomacy” to promote the work of local artists. “Some of you may not be aware that I actually practice art diplomacy… When I went to Barbados’ 50th anniversary of Independence, I presented a huge painting of the Canje Pheasant and I presented a wooden carving by Winslow Craig. I have been selling Guyana’s art abroad… When I went to the Bahamas earlier this year, I presented a painting of the jaguar, our national animal. I don’t make any bones about my patriotism and my support for the arts. If a diplomat comes to see me he is going to get a little pottery. So I try to practice art diplomacy by putting Guyanese art into the diplomatic field,” Granger was quoted as saying by the Ministry of the Presidency, before declaring the exhibition officially open.
According to the ministry, Granger, who is the patron of the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition, also hinted at his intention to support art exhibitions across the country.
