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Entertainment Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange has announced the launch of the Culture, Entertainment and Creative Practitioners Institute - a one-of-a-kind institution aimed at unleashing the full potential of Jamaica's creatives.

Set to open its doors this September, the institute is being established through a partnership between the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Caribbean Maritime University.

Grange, speaking during the Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday, said the goal is to enrol 500 learners in the first cohort.

"Our vision is to establish a premier institute that fosters innovation, growth, and professional development in Jamaica's cultural and creative industries, empowering individuals to thrive in a globally competitive environment. It will be a hub for training, collaboration and capacity-building in the cultural and creative industries, driving economic growth, cultural preservation and global competitiveness," she said.

The institute will offer a wide range of cutting-edge courses, including music production, audio engineering and sound design, music business and distribution, reggae and dancehall production techniques, graphic design and branding, design for digital platforms, animation and motion graphics, fashion design and textile arts, cinematography and film production, photography and visual storytelling, as well as AI and digital tools for creatives.

According to Grange, the concept for the institute evolved from the Jamaica Creative Career Expo, a flagship event launched by her ministry five years ago to expose students to the vast possibilities in the cultural and creative industries.

"It has been one way of enabling the discussion that needs to be had among so many Jamaican young people who dream of a creative career but have no real information," she said.

The new programme will focus on key areas such as innovation and technology integration, cultural identity and preservation, and education and certification. Emphasis will also be placed on sustainability and strategic partnerships. Grange said that the curriculum is designed to help young creatives refine their craft while gaining the business acumen needed to succeed.