Evolutionary Shift: Transforming an Iconic Reggae Musical Island into a Thriving Creative Economy Center
Jamaica Embraces Creative Economy Development
Jamaica is taking significant strides to nurture and grow its creative economy, with a focus on data-driven development, infrastructure investment, educational initiatives, and policy advocacy.
At the heart of these efforts is the Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance of Jamaica (CCIAJ), which launched a Creative Industries Survey in 2025. This survey aims to map the size, scope, and economic value of Jamaica’s creative sector, providing current and accurate data to highlight the contribution of artists and creatives, identify their needs, and improve access to funding and strategic resources.
One of the most exciting developments is "The Complex," Jamaica's first multi-acre creative compound. This facility, currently under construction, will feature a full-scale soundstage, recording studios, coworking spaces, wellness areas, and event zones. By bolstering the film, music, and entertainment industries, "The Complex" aims to create jobs, retain talent, and provide comprehensive support across multiple creative professions including digital media, tech, and hospitality.
The Jamaican government is also partnering with the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) to launch a Creative Practitioners Institute in 2025. This institute will boost the cultural sector’s capacity through education and skills development.
Experts advocate for establishing an enabling environment and comprehensive policy framework to unlock growth in Jamaica’s "orange economy" (cultural and creative industries). Proposed infrastructure includes entertainment zones, creative districts, and cultural facilities like a sports and reggae museum to boost revenues and create jobs.
The potential of the creative economy to deliver growth is being understood by both creatives and policymakers. However, many local creatives struggle to make a living, with Jamaica ranking second in the world for 'human flight and brain drain', with both the business and audience being overseas.
Jamaica's creative economy is largely driven by the economic activity of its music industry, which is mostly domiciled offshore. Despite this, the country receives over 4 million visitors per year, known for its culture and being the birthplace of Bob Marley and five other major music genres.
The article is authored by Andrea Dempster Chung, the Co-founder and executive director of Kingston Creative, an organisation that plays a pivotal role in Jamaica's creative economy growth. With initiatives like free creative training, creative coworking spaces, and a new Art District being developed in downtown Kingston, Jamaica is making a concerted effort to develop its creative economy on both national and potentially global platforms.
Notably, new programs encourage creative entrepreneurs to register their businesses and intellectual property at no cost, further demonstrating Jamaica's commitment to nurturing its creative economy. The initiatives of the Global Creative Economy Council, led by members such as Hasan Bakhshi and Rehana Mughal, align with Jamaica’s focus on data-driven approaches, infrastructure investments, and institutional support.
In conclusion, Jamaica's strategy is multifaceted: improving data visibility with surveys, investing in dedicated creative infrastructure, launching educational initiatives, and advancing policy frameworks—all designed to nurture and scale its creative economy.
- The Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance of Jamaica (CCIAJ) is focusing on data-driven development to map the creative sector's size, scope, and economic value.
- "The Complex," Jamaica's first multi-acre creative compound, is currently under construction, featuring soundstages, recording studios, and coworking spaces.
- The Creative Practitioners Institute, launched by the Caribbean Maritime University, aims to boost the cultural sector’s capacity through education and skills development.
- Experts are advocating for an enabling environment and comprehensive policy framework to grow Jamaica's 'orange economy.'
- Jamaica's potential for growth in the creative economy is being recognized, but many local creatives struggle to make a living due to the business and audience being overseas.
- The country receives over 4 million visitors annually, renowned for its culture and being the birthplace of Bob Marley and five other music genres.
- Andrea Dempster Chung, the Co-founder of Kingston Creative, is leading initiatives like free creative training, creative coworking spaces, and a new Art District in downtown Kingston.
- The initiatives of Jamaica align with the focus of the Global Creative Economy Council, which emphasizes data-driven approaches, infrastructure investments, and institutional support.
- New programs in Jamaica encourage creative entrepreneurs to register their businesses and intellectual property at no cost, further demonstrating the country's commitment to nurturing its creative economy.
- By bolstering the film, music, and entertainment industries, "The Complex" aims to create jobs, retain talent, and provide comprehensive support across multiple creative professions.
- Jamaica's strategy to grow its creative economy includes improving data visibility, investing in dedicated creative infrastructure, launching educational initiatives, and advancing policy frameworks.
