A picture is worth 1,000 words; but our art industry is worth millions

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If so, then what will a $1 million tax break for the acquisition of local artwork be worth? This may very well be the questions on the minds of artists and art gallery owners as they ponder their future in light of this new development in the local art industry. Some believe that they stand to benefit from this tax break, others can’t see this happening anytime soon, but they all wait with fingers crossed hoping for the best. One young artist can see benefits coming from this tax break. However, he said, these could be hindered by ignorance on the part of many on the real value of art and owning pieces of art. Gregory Williams, who has been drawing from the tender age of six, has been in the business long enough to know that it is a world where only the strong survive. He explained that many artists struggle to make a living from their art since materials are costly and some have problems getting the necessary exposure.

As a result, a number of local artists are forced to supplement art with a full time job to make ends meet. He is one example. Williams once had a job which he quit to fully pursue his career as an artist. Now he does odd jobs to complement his income, spending most of his time painting, taking part in art groups and exhibitions. “Some artists,” he said, “can’t do this because they have families to support, so art becomes a part-time activity. They don’t have the necessary free time to move around to shows, paint and sculpt etc.” Williams is of the view that art in Trinidad is far from getting the kind of recognition it deserves as a viable area of business. He said, “they don’t understand that art can be an investment. In developed countries this is recognised. Here, art is not put in the same bracket as other occupations. A person should be able to make a living from it.” “Instead,” Williams continued, “people approach it mainly as a hobby or a by-the-way thing. They don’t understand that art can be much more than painting, drawing and sculpting.” One man who certainly understands the business aspect of the art industry is Mark Pereira, owner of 101 Tragarete Road Art Gallery. This gallery is how he survives.

He explained that there are basically two types of art galleries — those that are attached to other businesses, such as framing companies and those, like his, where selling art is the primary focus. “There is always a conflict because of commercial interest,” he maintained. “The only way that this gallery survives is on commission so I have to sell paintings. I can’t go to Hi-lo if I don’t sell a painting.” However, despite the difficulties, Pereira, who opened his gallery 13 years ago, remains optimistic that the industry will fulfil its full potential. He said, “the art industry in Trinidad is huge. We have about four full time art galleries now and to the best of my knowledge, they are busy all of the time. “Still it is all a case of education and appreciation.” Pereira compared Trinidad to Jamaica, where, he noted, the art scene was much more vibrant than locally. Prices are also better there. He believes that the local sector will get where stakeholders want to be, but the key lay in the education of the younger generation to ensure an appreciation of art. “A lot of people,” he continued, “are intimidated to walk into an art gallery. They think that it is something a little bit snooty.”
“At this gallery, everyone walking through the door is offered a drink so that they are immediately made welcome in this space to ensure that they are not  intimidated to ever come back.” Pereira expressed his belief that, while the tax break was a good idea, one other solution to any existing problems, would be a greater focus on education.

He called for the establishment of a Government sponsored art gallery or something similar, which would exhibit student art at least once a year. Additionally, he continued, while the University of the West Indies (UWI) does run an art programme, there is still a need for more educational facilities and libraries where budding young artists can go to do research. “There are really not that many publications at the existing libraries,” he said. “And these kids need proper resources because they are given quite serious projects to do in their A’Levels .” E Christopher Rennie shares many of Pereira’s beliefs. However, while he agrees that the future of the art industry lies in the youth, he lamented the fact that many of them will never get their chance to shine.

The more established artists, he said, have already gotten the necessary exposure and many galleries prefer to show their work since they are ensured sales. Work from these artists usually bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for galleries which carry it. There is one artist in particular whose paintings are not sold for less than $10,000. “These artists,” Rennie said, “price their work on the meaning of the piece. The newer artists, however, price theirs on the size of the painting, and their work ranges in cost from $500 to $4,000 according to the size.” Rennie maintained that Government’s offer of a tax break would seek to enhance the industry. However, he asserted, it needed more promotion since a number of companies have not yet taken the bait. Some companies are not even aware of the incentive, he noted.

He also expressed his belief that local art needed more promotion in hotels locally as well as in other countries. The Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) had a major role to play in this respect, he added. Responding to this call, Corporate Communications Officer at TIDCO, Renatta Mohammed-Valere noted that the company did recognise and support local talent, particularly as it applied to promoting the country on an international scale. She said, “the multifaceted nature of the business of art creation and expression spans painters, handicraft artists, Carnival costume designers, graphic artists and others and wherever this broad spectrum has applied to the purpose of achieving international recognition for TT, TIDCO has given its full support.” To date, Mohammed-Valere noted, TIDCO has purchased art for promotional purposes in addition to commissioning artists to create pieces for specific events.