Objects and functions of the ICA

The objects and functions of the ICA shall be as follows– (a) to encourage the expression, development and preservation of Belizean culture in all its aspects and to stimulate research and study of Belizean culture; National Institute of Culture and History 43 (b) to encourage, in cooperation with other organizations, the attainment of excellence in all forms of Belizean art; (c) to promote, develop and improve the knowledge and practice of all forms of creative activity; (d) to foster, support or undertake, in cooperation with other bodies, the development of cultural and artistic activity; (e) to develop training programmes which shall include the training of administrative and creative personnel for the various areas of Belizean culture and the arts; (f) to carry out any artistic or culture-related activity for promoting the development in particular of youth and of women in Belize; (g) to plan and implement programmes and activities for the strengthening, preservation and development of Belizean cultural traditions and identity; (h) (i) to provide a scheme for awards, prizes and recognition generally for the encouragement and development of art and culture in Belize; (j) to compile, publish, distribute or disseminate (or assist in so doing) any book, volume or part thereof, or newspaper or other printed material in any medium including television and radio for the dissemination of audio- National Institute of Culture 44 and History visual images which in the opinion of the ICA are of cultural, historic or artistic interest and value; (k) to encourage the development of cultural and artistic endeavour and activity in all schools in Belize as an integral part of the curriculum; (l) to establish specialized art schools or to encourage and assist the private sector in so doing, taking care to ensure the active participation of the artistic and general community; (m) to assist in the establishment and support in each district of associations of young persons interested in the creative arts and to assist those who wish to do so to pursue a career in any of the arts.