Global market demand for cultural commodities continues to rise steadily, particularly within the entertainment and media industry. In 2003, global expenditure on entertainment and media surpassed US$1.1 trillion. Trinidad and Tobago has long contributed to the phenomenal growth of the global entertainment landscape, in terms of inventing the steel pan as well as providing raw talent and artistry in many areas. This industry has experienced tremendous growth since the 1960s due to the increasing external demand for assistance with the burgeoning Trinidad & Tobago-type Carnival Celebrations throughout the region and across the globe.

The opportunities for the Music & Entertainment industry in Trinidad and Tobago are vast:

• Soca music mixed with other genres such as dancehall and pop is appealing to global market
• Growing recognition among private sector enterprises of the value of investing in the Music & Entertainment industry
• Rising media interest in Carnival arts and artists; and
• Global visual art is expanding to encompass design, animation and architecture. 

As such, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has established the Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment Company (T&T Ent) to facilitate the development of a globally competitive entertainment industry. The objectives of T&T Ent are as follows:

• To facilitate international exposure of our local entertainers;
• To market and promote the national creativity;
• To ensure that Trinidad and Tobago is identified not only as the home of steel pan and Carnival but also as the home of soca, chutney and calypso;
• To influence positive perception of Trinidad and Tobago’s arts and culture abroad;
• To assist local entertainers and artistes in accessing funding for projects geared towards the export market; and
• To facilitate private sector investment both locally and abroad into the entertainment industry.

For further information, please visit the Trinidad & Tobago Entertainment Company.