Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire has confirmed that over 800 applications have been received for the newly established Creative Economy Grant Fund (CEGF), highlighting the overwhelming interest from Saint Lucia’s creative community.
The CEGF, launched earlier this year by Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, offers grants of up to $10 000 to aspiring and established creatives across Saint Lucia. The fund targets individuals and groups in areas such as dance, film, writing, visual arts, and other creative disciplines, providing the support to help them pursue their professional goals.
During pre-cabinet this week, he revealed that the volume of submissions has already surpassed the available funding which was $350 000 prompting discussions about additional financial support for the initiative.
“The closing date for the receipt of applications of our requests was the end of October,” Hilaire explained. “I know the team at the ministry has been categorising and reviewing all the requests. I think we have over 800 requests. Surely the money will not be enough and I’ve already signalled to the PM that the money allocated will just not make it.”
Hilaire noted that the review process is currently underway, with a dedicated committee “going through all the requests, categorising them and reviewing them.” He explained that “very shortly, we will be making announcements on the grants.” He added that requests span “a series of different options,” including hosting exhibitions, staging plays, publishing books, and producing documentaries.
“We didn’t want to restrict it… we tried to keep it as broad as possible, which is probably the problem we created, but now there’s so many submissions that were made from a range of possible creative activities.” He added that approximately ten categories have been used to organise the proposals received.
All applicants have been notified by email and the ministry has expressed gratitude to everyone who submitted proposals. Officials described the response as “overwhelming,” reflecting the innovation of Saint Lucia’s growing creative sector.
The ministry assured its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and alignment with the fund’s objectives. They stated that the review process aims to “support excellence and sustainability in the creative industries.”
Applicants will be formally notified of the outcome of their submissions by December 2025.
