The fusion of the Arts and Technology has been adopted as a guiding principle as UTech pursues its mission of producing graduates whose creative imagination, released through exposure to the Arts, will “humanize” Technology without losing any of the benefits of technology.

In keeping with this mission and to further the general development of the institution, plans are underway to construct, on the campus of the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), a physical complex that can serve as a theatre for the performing arts, an exhibition space for the visual arts, studios for training and practicing a variety of art forms, a facility of research and study; in short, a Caribbean Cultural Centre.

The Centre will not only be a work of art, but also a technological achievement in the life of the University, and it is intended that its construction will be a major expression of the integration process.

The Caribbean Cultural Centre is also an expansion of the interim Centre for the Arts, which, according to its mission statement, seeks to facilitate the development of a holistic human being sustained through the Arts, within an environment that fosters the growth of authentic enquiring minds.

The Caribbean Cultural Centre will be a centre of excellence, providing first-class facilities, and services to many, directly and indirectly.

The Centre will house:

•  A concert hall with a capacity to accommodate 1200 – 1500 persons, while at the same time flexible enough in its interior design to be converted for seating, standing or dancing.

•  Studio spaces for practice and training of students, professors, visiting artists etc.

•  Exhibition gallery and shops

The Centre will be a laboratory, incubator, and showcase for Jamaican creativity at its best. The facilities will benefit the students and staff of UTech, visiting academics (students and professors), artistes and artists of all kinds (Jamaican as well as visiting), participants in UTech’s outreach activities, Jamaica’s youth, and the general public.

The Caribbean Cultural Centre will provide the quality environment for these individuals, which will encourage and embrace such activities as debates, conferences, seminars, and forums with the most prestigious and outstanding cultural and intellectual persons, within the region and internationally.

In so doing, not only will students be encouraged to participate in public concerns on a grand scale, but they will also be schooled in the art of public speaking, while at the same time gain self confidence and exposure. More importantly, this intimate experiencing of these individuals will offer positive mentors for the students to emulate.

The Centre will continue to function as an organization that develops and promotes culture from a multifaceted perspective. Therefore, the ongoing exchange between professionals and students (both locally and internationally), will be an integral aspect of the general experience of the Centre. In essence, there will be a sense of an international flavour to the sensibility of the Centre, yet maintaining its truly Caribbean flavour.

The Centre will facilitate and/ or create inter-institutional exchange programmes to foster sharing of ideas and creativity among universities across the world.