Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced a significant $30 million investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s national Performing Arts Centre during his Saturday appearance on the Browne and Browne show, revealing the project has entered its final development phase with September completion targets.
The substantial cultural infrastructure project, funded through actual cash allocations already positioned at National Housing rather than theoretical commitments, represents a strategic pivot toward integrating artistic excellence with tourism development. Approximately $12 million has been deployed in recent months specifically for retrofitting the former Deluxe Cinema facility, with total investment projected to reach $25-30 million upon full completion.
Beyond the main performance venue, the government plans to acquire an adjacent structure to establish a dedicated training facility for local artists. This comprehensive approach aims to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural footprint through overseas master classes and specialized artistic development programs.
The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to diversify tourism offerings beyond conventional beach attractions by embedding authentic cultural experiences, music, and performance arts into the visitor journey. Prime Minister Browne emphasized the center’s dual purpose: empowering local artists to compete effectively in regional and international markets while forging stronger connections between tourism revenue and creative industries.
This cultural infrastructure investment positions the Performing Arts Centre as both an artistic hub and economic catalyst, designed to enhance the nation’s cultural prestige while creating sustainable opportunities for creative professionals.