Guyana’s culture is no longer being seen as just entertainment or tradition. 

Under Budget 2026, Government says it is investing heavily in the Orange Economy, turning creativity into jobs, income and long-term opportunities. 

Guyana is leveraging its rich cultural heritage as a major economic driver through the “Orange Economy,” which aims to monetise creative talents in music, art, food, fashion, and film. 

A national Orange Economy Taskforce has been formed to craft a medium-term strategy, with consultations planned for later this year. 

Eight priority areas have been identified, including cultural heritage tourism, gastronomy, literary and performing arts, film, fashion, and festivals.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, shared these details during a radio interview on Friday.

“If you look around the world culture and the creative arts have not only been the source of emotional and sentimental satisfaction. They’ve been the source of tremendous economic opportunity and wealth creation and we don’t have to look very far. If you look at what Jamaica has done with culture, if you look at what Trinidad has done, if you look at what Barbados has done… they’ve taken culture to a whole different level,” he said.

As part of its commitment, Government has already engaged hundreds of local artistes in national events throughout the year.

In 2025, the Port Mourant recording studio was opened, while three additional studios are under construction in Bayroc, Reliance and Uitvlugt.

Government says these facilities are aimed at supporting Guyanese creatives and expanding the local music industry.

“How do we create a music industry that will generate wealth not only for the performers but for the rest of the economy as a whole because obviously if you have world-class performers, you have world-class events, people will come you have a whole industry that will emerge if you have artists or you have culinary events or your fashion events. Look at the origins fashion shows.” he further explained.

For 2026, the government has budgeted $1.3 billion for work on a state-of-the-art museum, art gallery and the Palmyra Cultural Market.

A total of $3.7 billion has been allocated in the 2026 Budget to further develop the Orange Economy, as Guyana works to position itself as a leader in creative industries across the Caribbean.