by Nisha Paul
- Jacob delivered feature address at World Poetry, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts Salon at 3rd Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, China
- Described Grenada as “a small island with a vast soul”
- Positioned Grenada as a creative hub that bridges histories and geographies
“I am elated to be representing Grenada at the Liangzhou forum. I think it’s a great platform for us to showcase our voice when it comes to culture and heritage preservation on an international stage. It means a lot for Grenad, and how we are impacting the world with what we do culturally.” Those were the words of Chief Cultural Officer in the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture Kelvin Jacob in an exclusive interview ahead of delivering his feature address at the World Poetry, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts Salon, one of the main sessions of the just concluded 3rd Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, China.
The 2-day Liangzhu Forum, launched in 2023 under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is being touted as one of the world’s leading platforms for cultural dialogue. The international summit gathers global experts, artists, and creatives to promote cultural heritage, especially the 5,000-year-old Laingzhu civilisation.
In his presentation titled “Shared Beauty, Shared Civilisation,” Jacob spoke about the power of culture, creativity, and the human spirit, arguing that it remains one of the most unifying forces in a divided world. “In this space, our languages may be many, but our art speaks one tongue. Our histories may differ, but our beauty is shared, and in our shared beauty we begin to see our shared civilisation,” Jacob told the international audience, and described civilisation as “a living river, fed by many streams flowing through time. Each culture pours its spirit into the water, and the river becomes stronger, deeper, and more beautiful.”
This year’s forum, themed “Revitalisation of Civilisation: Cultural Heritage and Diversity of Human Cultures,” brought together cultural leaders, scholars, and artists from around the world to explore how nations can protect their heritage while fostering mutual understanding.
Representing Grenada before a distinguished audience, Jacob positioned the country as a creative hub that bridges histories and geographies. He described Grenada as “a small island with a vast soul,” a place where African rhythms, European languages, and indigenous traditions coexist and co-create.
He cited Grenada’s participation in CARIFESTA XV earlier this year in Barbados as a strong example of regional unity through art, and highlighted the island’s growing cultural partnership with China. Jacob referenced years of artistic exchange from Wu Opera troupes performing in Grenadian schools and communities to Chinese dance and acrobatic companies inspiring local choreographers, and the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC), which has introduced Chinese language, martial arts, music, and cultural appreciation to Grenadian students.
He also praised China’s hosting of Grenadian artistes for training, residencies, concerts, and cultural exchange programmes, alongside Grenada’s own sharing of steelpan, calypso, and traditional masquerade on Chinese stages, proof he said that “the rhythms of the Caribbean and melodies of China can coexist beautifully on one stage.” “This is cultural diplomacy at its finest,” Jacob emphasised. “Not one-way transmission, but mutual transformation.” He urged global leaders to recognise artists not as bystanders, but as “architects of peace,” stressing that creativity must be central to how societies measure progress. “Where politics build borders, art builds bridges,” he told the audience. “Where conflict causes silence, art restores voice.”
Beyond the forum, Jacob’s itinerary includes visits to China’s Yiwu, Beijing, and Shanghai provinces, where he will engage in cultural and educational exchanges aimed at strengthening ties in art, heritage, tourism, and creative industry development.
The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture described Jacob’s participation as a milestone for Grenada’s growing global footprint in the creative sector, and a recognition of the island’s leadership in promoting Caribbean culture abroad.
“Grenada may be small,” Jacob concluded, “but we are large in vision. If we can share our beauty, we can shape our civilisation.”
As a cultural leader from a small island, Jacob closed his address by urging his colleagues to continue shaping global culture through creativity, cooperation, and shared humanity.
