Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has shown interest in supporting the Arts Academy Skills Training Centre in Bakau through the Youth Empowerment Project and the Creative Industry Nexus initiative.
The Minister made this statement on Monday 14th July, 2025 during a courtesy call on him by the Academy at his office in Banjul.
The meeting centered on collaboration between the Ministry and the Arts Academy to promote cultural preservation and artistic expression.
Established in 2022, the Arts Academy has trained over 60 people in various art forms, including poetry, drama, and crafts, and has hosted events like the “Part of a Final Art” competition while also launching a podcast network.
Upon receiving the team, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, on behalf of the Ministry, expressed interest in supporting the academy through the Youth Empowerment Project and the Creative Industry nexus initiative.
“The goal is to enhance youth employment and cultural development, leveraging the potential of the creative industry to transform the country’s economy,” he said.
The Honorable Minister expressed personal interest in visiting the academy to see the work firsthand, reassuring them that the government is open to providing support and resources to help the academy succeed.
The group was accompanied to the Ministry by Mr. Hassoum Ceesay, the Director General, National Centre for Arts and Culture.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture