Barbados’ vibrant cultural heritage could soon take centre stage in its tourism industry, thanks to a visionary proposal by woodwork artist Tito Clarke.
By turning artisan workshops into interactive tourist attractions, Clarke aims to merge creativity with commerce, offering visitors an authentic taste of Barbadian artistry while empowering craftsmen.
The artisan is urging the Ministry of Tourism to support a plan that would transform artisan workshops into immersive tourist attractions, giving visitors a firsthand look at the island’s creative talent while boosting artists’ visibility and sales.
Under Clarke’s vision, tourists would not only visit workshops but also engage in hands-on experiences—learning to craft sculptures, furniture, and other artistic pieces as part of a curated tour.
Despite the uniqueness of their work, many artisans struggle to secure steady sales or adequate exposure, he explains.
“There are some shops that sell items constantly, but with this kind of work, you don’t sell something every day or even every week,” he tells Barbados TODAY at his roadside workshop called King Blessed, located along Golden Acres, St Stephen’s Hill, St Michael. “But when something does sell, it brings in a good dollar, so you can survive. What we really need is for the work to be seen; we need more exposure.”
Clarke stresses that visitors are often captivated by his craft and the handiworks of other artisans but questions why they remain largely absent from mainstream areas where tourists frequent.
“Tourists come from overseas and, when they see this work for the first time, they are amazed. They always ask, ‘Why isn’t this at the airport? Why isn’t it in the hotels?’ This work needs to be seen,” he says.
Clarke believes that the Ministry of Tourism should explore formal partnerships with artisans to integrate their workshops into Barbados’ tourism offerings, providing structured opportunities for visitors to engage with local creatives.
“That would be so nice—not just for me, but for Barbados as a whole,” he says. “For years, tourists have come here mainly for the sea, sand, and sun. But there are other aspects of our culture—different forms of art that are just as powerful as music. Wood carving is one of them.
“The interaction with the artists behind the work would not only create a more authentic and memorable experience for visitors; it would increase the visibility of the work being produced and lead to the generation of more sales.”
He argues that structured tour stops at artisan workshops could create an organic and engaging attraction, benefiting both visitors and artists alike.
With growing interest in cultural tourism worldwide, Clarke says his idea presents an opportunity for Barbados to diversify its offerings beyond its well-known beaches and nightlife.
For him, the transformation is already happening informally.
“When tourists pass by my workshop, they tell the driver to stop because they want to see this,” he says. “Naturally, it has become a tourist attraction on its own. Since I created this space, I’ve been making some dollars. But I’m not just doing it because I love it—I’m doing it to make a living too.”
He adds that artists need better platforms to showcase their work, allowing them to create a steady stream of income rather than relying on sporadic purchases.
“You have to create many different pieces and stock up because people like variety. Sometimes, a visitor might come and choose a piece I made in the past rather than something recent,” he says. “That’s why artists need to keep producing and have enough work available.”
Clarke is convinced that integrating workshops into the tourism sector would enhance Barbados’ appeal by offering visitors a more genuine cultural experience.
“What I’m doing here is healthy for Barbados. When people pass and see this work, they feel the joy in it,” he says. “This is what makes a country stand out—its culture, its people, and the things they create.”
Clarke makes a call to other fellow artisans to come together and lobby the idea to the relevant authorities, adding that there was strength in numbers.
He is also appealing to officials in the Ministry of Education to put programmes in place so students could tour his workshop and learn the trade.
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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