Perhaps one of the most significant developments in the furtherance of Guyana's rich cultural heritage took place some months after the 1992 general elections when the Cheddi Jagan Government converted the former Residence into Castellani House, the National Art Gallery.

Before that enlightened decision by the PPP/Civic Cabinet, Guyana's rich national collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and ceramics remained scattered here and there, with many valuable pieces being sold, stolen and lost forever.

Following the official opening of Castellani House, one of Guyana's Heritage Buildings, from the 19th century and designated by the famous architect, Mr. Castellani, the complete collection was housed there. All the items were catalogued and carefully stored; later many, which were damaged one way or another, were restored. The full process of cataloguing and recording all relevant information as well as photographing each item is an ongoing process, so necessary for preservation and research.

Today, Castellani House is one of Guyana's precious jewels, recognized not only in our own country, but also in the Caribbean and Latin America. Its exhibitions are well attended and provide our young and upcoming artists with the opportunity to exhibit their works and to study the works of mature and experienced artists.

Guyana is fortunate to have a curator of outstanding talent and experience, Ms. Elfrieda Bissember, who guides and directs activities at Castellani House that embrace other aspects of culture, not only the visual arts. Besides, her qualities are appreciated in other lands where she has been invited to judge art competitions, lectures, and advise at art institutions, thus enhancing Guyana's reputation.

At the ongoing exhibition of ten tutors of the Burrowes School of Art, we can not only observe the quality of our artists, the way their works are presented, but also, as with each exhibition, the essay by the Curator on the background to the exhibition. In this instance, the Curator has provided a concise and informative essay on the origin and successes of Burrowes School of Art, a very important institution for those young people who wish to make a career in that field.