This is a society obsessed by politics. It is one of the by-products of the ethnic divide which causes us to ignore those institutions which have (or should have) an inherently apolitical character. Quite often, however, these are the very institutions which help to confer on a healthy community its sense of definition, identity and tradition. No matter which party is in power, there will always be a need for a National Archives, which preserves the records of the past; a National Library which preserves the printed heritage relating to this country; a National Trust, which preserves the immovable material heritage; a museum or museums which preserve the movable material heritage; and a National Gallery which preserves the artistic heritage.

All of these institutions exist in Guyana, although some of them languish for lack of funds making it difficult for them to function in the way which their frame of reference requires. The most recent of them is the National Gallery, based at Castellani House, itself a building of great historical interest.

The need for a national collection of paintings and sculpture was recognized fairly quickly after independence, and in the early years, when funds were more forthcoming than was the case subsequently, there was a drive to acquire pieces. The late Dr Denis Williams, who in the 1970s was appointed Director of Art at what began as the National History and Arts Council, and later became the Department of Culture, not only concentrated on the acquisition of contemporary works, but also tried to buy earlier examples of this country's artistic expression.

The problem in those years was not the acquisition programme, it was the fact that there was nowhere to house the collection. The works were stacked in the Department of Culture, one or two being displayed on the walls. It was the present Government which to its credit decided to set up a National Gallery based at Castellani House shortly after it came into office. The apparent mover behind this decision was Mrs Janet Jagan, who continues to retain her association with the institution.

Despite the constraints to which every organization ? particularly government organization ? is subject, Castellani House has proved itself one of the most vibrant cultural institutions in this country. Under the direction of its current curator, Ms Elfrieda Bissember, it has mounted a number of exhibitions, including one on Amerindian art and others displaying the works of the late Stephanie Correia and Marjorie Broodhagen. It has also held lectures and seminars, such as those by Dr David Dabydeen and Mr Winslow Craig, the last?named of whom gave a well-received address dealing with his own work.

In order to encourage young artists, the gallery holds annual competitions alternating between water colours and drawing, and has also provided a venue for book launches. It has an ongoing programme of conservation, and has embarked on the laborious task of inventorising the collection, which inevitably will take time. There is a renovation project on the way, which will encompass a gallery shop, and further down the road, a cafe.
This is a society given to sniping, more especially in those instances where achievements are clearly evident. While no institution is above criticism, we need to give acknowledgement whenever good work is being done, and in the case of national institutions, take pride in the fact that against all the odds, something of immense value to the nation is in the process of evolution. And all Guyanese can legitimately take pride in their National Gallery.