Welcome to “Banking on the Arts,” a website dedicated to the promotion of our local performing artistes and their works. This site represents the Central Bank’s continued investment in the development and enhancement of the performing arts and plays a significant role in the Bank’s corporate social responsibility, providing a platform to foster an appreciation for the diverse talents and rich culture of us Trinbagonians.
This site is intended to be both entertaining and educational, showcasing performances, exhibitions, and seminars hosted by the Central Bank Auditorium in its continued effort to promote practitioners of the performing arts by examining their artistic contributions, opinions, and experiences within our multicultural society.
Featured Presentation
Calypso Stories
The Central Bank Auditorium celebrated Calypso History Month 2023 by hosting “Calypso Stories,” a film presentation highlighting the history of Calypso music through the experiences of its pioneers and practitioners.
Two films were featured during the event. The first, “I Dream of Calypso,” follows the journey of a young girl as she strives to enter a National Calypso Competition, despite her parents’ reluctance to support her ambitions.
The second film, “Calypso Dreams,” a documentary which explores the origins and history of Calypso music.
Photo Gallery
Featured Presentation
International Carnival Convention 2025
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago was pleased to co-sponsor the International Carnival Convention 2025, held at the Central Bank Auditorium, Port of Spain on March 7th 2025.
The International Carnival Convention (ICC) celebrates the essence of carnival within the context of industry innovation. It is more than just a gathering; it serves as a beacon for the evolution of carnival culture in a modern business landscape. The goal is to harmonize the festive spirit of traditional carnival celebrations with contemporary business strategies, creating a unique platform where enthusiasm for festivity aligns with professional growth.
This event is a hub of creativity, showcasing dazzling artistry and providing a space for global connections. It brings together industry leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and creative pioneers to share knowledge, establish alliances, and honor the diverse legacy of carnival traditions. From experts organizing grand parades to artisans crafting intricate costumes, the ICC offers a gateway to a realm where cultural heritage fuels innovation and your passion for carnival enhances your professional journey.
Presentations
Featured Presentation
Lady Trinidad
Dr. Rudolph Ottley
From Chanterelle to Calypsonian
On February 20, 2025, the Central Bank Museum launched its inaugural exhibition titled “From Chanterelle to Calypsonian: Celebrating 90 Years of Female Calypsonians in Trinidad’s Commercialized Calypso Tents.” This collaborative exhibition, hosted in partnership with the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and the management of the Divas Calypso Cabaret International, ran until March 21st, 2025. It showcased the historical and invaluable contributions made by female Calypsonians to the Calypso genre, specifically within the context of the Commercialized Calypso Tents in Trinidad’s Carnival from 1935 to 2025.
The year 1935 marked the entry of women into the Commercialized Calypso Tents in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. The early 20th century saw the formation of organized calypso syndicates and tents that charged entry fees, added to which there existed a colonial strategy aimed at transforming the Barrack Yards and sanitizing the Carnival away from the influence of the Jamette and Chanterelle. Unfortunately, this sidelined women, causing their contributions to be overlooked in the history of calypso.
Despite their initial roles in the evolution of Calypso in Trinidad, it was not until 1935 that the first female Calypsonian, ‘Lady Trinidad’, whose real name is Ms. Thelma Layne, was permitted to perform in the new Commercialized Calypso Tent scene.
Overall the exhibition was sub-divided into six sections namely; Chanterelles and Jamettes; Lady Trinidad; the history of the Divas Calypso Cabaret International; Non-African female Calypsonians, the history of the National Calypso Queen competition and the female national Calypso Monarchs of Trinidad & Tobago.
Dr. Rudolph Ottley
Dr. Rudolph Ottley holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from the University of the Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) where he is currently a Senior Instructor in the Academy of the Arts, Letters, Culture and Public Affairs.
Dr. Ottley has published ten (10) books on Calypso throughout his career and is also the founder of the world’s only all-female Calypso Organisation/Tent – The Divas Cabaret International which launched its operations in 2004.
Published books:
- Women in Calypso, part (1) 1992
- Calypsonians From Then To Now, part (1) 1995
- Calypsonians From Then To Now, part (2) 1998
- The History of Anyhowers Sports Club 1999
- Women in Calypso, part (2) 2007
- Calypsonians From Then To Now, part (3) 2008
- The Revue @ Fifty, 2012
- One Hundred Years of Vocal Calypso Recordings, 2014
- Ambataila Women: The History of Women in Calypso From 1838-2014, 2016
- The History of the Dimanche Gras Show (part 1) : Mucurapo Stadium to the Savannah, 2018
Photo Gallery
The programme offers the award of two, 1-year residencies for local creatives in the visual and performing arts spheres, respectively, with the opportunity to work alongside professionals in fields related to the arts. The experience will span museum management and curating, art history, auditorium management, sound and lighting design, video production, stage management, and more. The programme will see both residents engaged in a mix of planned workshops, mentorship and learning sessions, and self-led research and writing, the outcome of which will yield a final public production developed jointly by the residents.
