The National Cultural Centre (NCC) is undergoing a complete overhaul, including the replacement of seating, lights, and sound equipment.
The renovations, which will be done to the tune of $50 million, are being spearheaded by the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.
“As this point, several areas are being addressed which include the plumbing system and the stage, among other critical areas. In terms of capital, monies would have been allocated towards the replacement of chairs, sound equipment and we have already upgraded the lighting system for the centre,” the Ministry’s Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Boatswain related that the project is currently in its first phase and will continue pending the availability of finances moving forward.
“Based on the finances allocated to the National Cultural Centre, the scope of works is determined to ensure this aim is realised. However, every year we (ministry) work on improving the facility so that the patrons and producers can have a better centre to use,” Boatswain noted.
DPI reported that the NCC, opened on May 16, 1976, and the premier auditorium for cultural presentations in Guyana, rises 62 feet (19 m), is 240 feet (73 m) long and 115 feet (35 m) wide and seats about 2,000 people; its stage is 48 feet (15 m) deep with an orchestra pit, and has a 72-foot (22 m) wide and 20-foot (6.1 m) high opening.
Meanwhile, Boatswain also revealed other developments within the department, including the emphasis placed on capacity building exercises for their staff in various divisions.
“The ministry would from time to time enroll them (staff) in different training exercises based on their skills. So, Heritage Conservation and the National Archives of Guyana usually host their workshops and invite qualified persons to train our staff in the conservation of various material,” Boatswain related.
She also made reference to the National Museum contracting persons to facilitate training in conservation of biological material to better preserve the items showcased at the museum, and reported that the management of the museum would periodically enroll their staff in short courses such as museum studies, offered by the Commonwealth Association of Museums.
