Growth & Jobs | Unlocking the potential of Jamaica’s creative economy

The Jamaican Economy Panel (JEP) recently published its 25th survey discussion: “Unlocking the Potential of Jamaica’s Creative Economy: Advancing the SDGs through Visual Arts, Film, and Music.”Jamaica’s creative economy, particularly its globally renowned music, film, and visual arts sectors, has emerged as a critical driver of sustainable development, economic diversification, and youth employment. In 2022 alone, the creative sector generated an estimated US$2.2 billion and contributed over five per cent to national GDP. This JEP discussion explores how Jamaica can leverage its cultural assets to drive inclusive economic growth, while addressing policy, financing, and infrastructure challenges that continue to limit sectoral development.

Horane Henry, co-founder of iKon Media & Films, noted that, globally, Jamaican storytelling and talent are valued, but he also stressed that there are structural limitations facing the industry. “We don’t actually have any formal infrastructure,” he said, citing the lack of co-production treaties, studio spaces, and distribution channels. He called for “a sustainable fund for film” and better access to international markets, warning that, without action, countries like the Dominican Republic and Brazil may continue to outpace Jamaica.

Ewan Simpson, attorney-at-law and chairman of JaRIA, described Jamaican music as “globally recognisable and attractive”, but pointed to the lack of cohesion in the sector. “We don’t naturally coalesce as a music industry,” he stated.

He called for structured investment, government policy, and export strategies to reclaim global market share from fast-growing genres like reggaetón and afrobeats.

Visual arts specialist Susanne Fredricks highlighted the historic and cultural importance of Jamaica’s art sector, while warning of its marginalisation. “There has been a significant decline in the last 15 to 20 years,” she said, citing the closure of commercial galleries and a weak collector base. She advocated for a private contemporary museum, commercial galleries with international reach, and regional partnerships, to reposition Jamaica as a serious player in the global art world.

KEY PILLAR

Dr Nadine McCloud, senior lecturer in the Department of Economics at The UWI, Mona, emphasised the urgency of government-led investment. “Financing, infrastructure, and legal frameworks, particularly around intellectual property, must be strengthened to ensure creators benefit from their work in a rapidly digitising world,” she said.

Dr Stuart Davies, senior economist in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, added: “Unlocking the creative economy is not optional, but is essential for Jamaica’s long-term prosperity and global leadership.”

Responding to the survey results, Dennis Zulu, United Nations resident coordinator, stressed that the creative economy is a key pillar of sustainable development. “Culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship are essential to achieving the SDGs. Jamaica’s creative industries can drive job creation, social inclusion, and economic resilience, particularly for youth. But this requires strategic investment, regional integration, and stronger support systems for creatives to thrive,” Zulu said.

The JEP panellists concluded that Jamaica’s creative economy holds tremendous potential to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as employment (SDG 8), innovation (SDG 9), education (SDG 4), and sustainable communities (SDG 11). However, realising that potential requires coordinated investment, public-private partnerships, and strong policy support to foster a more resilient, inclusive, and globally connected creative ecosystem.

The Jamaican Economy Panel is part of a partnership between the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) and the Department of Economics at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. The JEP brings together economic, public-sector experts and development practitioners to address monthly socio-economic questions. These questions help to highlight relevant economic issues and the collective expertise of the panellists.

For more information on the Jamaican Economy Panel, and for the results of this JEP discussion, visit the UN Jamaica website at www.jamaica.un.org.

https://jamaica.un.org/en/299622-jamaican-economy-panel-discusses-unlock...