Saint Lucian Sculptors Target Global Market as CDF Pushes Craft ‘From Workshop to World Shops’

Saint Lucian wood sculptors are being prepared to take their work beyond local workshops and tourism displays and into international markets, as a new phase of training combines traditional craftsmanship with the business skills needed to turn art into sustainable income.

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia and Spotlight Taiwan, launched the second phase of its Wood Sculpting Workshop on Wednesday under the theme “From Workshop to World Shops.”

This time, the focus extends well beyond carving. Participants are being trained in product finishing, preservation, export readiness, marketing, business registration, grant opportunities, intellectual property and licensing, areas organisers believe could help local sculptors transform their talent into viable businesses.

CDF Executive Director Raymona Henry-Wynne said talent has never been Saint Lucia’s problem. What artists often lack, she explained, are “opportunities to learn, to experiment, to collaborate, and to see their work through a different lens.”

The programme builds on the inaugural workshop held in 2024 and is supported through Spotlight Taiwan, an initiative of Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture.

Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Nicole Y.C. Su, said the partnership has also revealed cultural connections between the two countries, noting that both share “a deep appreciation for the arts and for the traditions expressed through sculpture.”

Taiwanese sculptor Hank Tsai, who facilitated the 2024 programme, has returned to lead the advanced workshop. He said artists may create for themselves, but they are also producing work they can “offer to the world” making the “From Workshop to World Shops” theme particularly fitting.

Tsai said the advanced programme will therefore move beyond the creative process into finishing and marketing, strengthening both the artistic and commercial sides of participants’ work.

That commercial focus is being paired with an effort to protect Saint Lucia’s traditional craftsmanship.

CDF Training, Development and Events Officer Carla Chiquot said the objective is to help sculptors produce higher-quality work that meets international standards and is ready for export, while ensuring the knowledge of established craftsmen is passed on to younger generations.

The Department of Forestry is contributing expertise on local wood species, conservation practices and the legal use of Saint Lucia’s forest resources, while CARE Limited is supporting the transfer of traditional skills from experienced sculptors to younger practitioners.

Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage John Paul Estephane said the programme should not be viewed as simply an art class, describing it instead as “a deliberate investment in human capital” and an example of how the creative economy can contribute to national development.

For returning participant Elvis Benjamin, the training is already changing how he approaches his craft. Despite sculpting for some time, Benjamin said there is “always something new to learn,” particularly techniques that can improve the quality and finish of pieces so they reach a standard consumers will buy and can compete in the marketplace.

The programme is also drawing newcomers, including taxi driver Cornelius Cenac, whose interest in sculpting developed after seeing locally crafted artwork displayed at tourism sites around Saint Lucia.

The initiative brings together the CDF, Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Departments of Creative Industries, Forestry and Commerce, Export Saint Lucia and CARE Limited, connecting expertise in culture, sustainability, business development and market access.

The programme will culminate with a public exhibition at the National Cultural Centre on October 3, where participants will showcase work produced during the training.

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