The Department of Youth and Culture has handed responsibility for the operations of the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre to the Anguilla Festivals Development Commission.
The centre located in The Valley will now be run under the leadership of the commission’s newly announced chief executive officer, Amber Woodley.
The Ministry of Social Development and Education announced the move in a press release, describing it as an “important milestone” in the development of Anguilla’s cultural and creative infrastructure.
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“The Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre has long served as a central space for national celebrations, cultural expression, artistic development and community engagement,” the ministry said on 18 May.
“Under the stewardship of the [commission], the centre will be positioned to play an even stronger role in supporting festivals, cultural programming, creative industries development and the wider cultural economy.”
The commission was established to provide focused leadership, strategic direction and operational support for the planning, coordination, development and promotion of the island’s festivals and cultural events.
In April, it unveiled a five-year business plan aimed at transforming the island’s festivals into a fully regulated, revenue-generating industry.
It placed the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre at the centre of the strategy, with proposals to develop it into a year-round commercial venue for cultural and entertainment activity.
CEO Woodley will provide executive leadership for the commission and is responsible for supporting the development of Anguilla’s festival product and overseeing the operations of the cultural centre.
The Miss Anguilla Pageant chair will work closely with stakeholders across government, the private sector, the creative community and civil society.
“The ministry welcomes Woodley to this important leadership role and looks forward to the energy, professionalism, and vision she will bring to the commission at this formative stage,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Youth and Culture will continue to play a role in policy development, youth and cultural programming, heritage promotion and sector support.
The department and the commission will work together to ensure a smooth transition and to advance shared national priorities for culture, creativity, youth development and community participation.
Anguilla is renowned for its vibrant Anguilla Summer Festival, held annually in late July and early August, among other events which celebrate the island’s culture, music and heritage.
