In commemoration of Saint Lucia’s 41st Independence anniversary, the publication “From Inspiration to Creation: Saint Lucian Women Sustaining Lives and Livelihoods through the Arts” has been launched.

The book features and celebrates 40 female Saint Lucian artistes who exemplify excellence in the arts, including entrepreneurs, arts educators, and advocates for the arts.

Sigma Greaves Francis, author of the book “From Inspiration to Creation,” and founder of the School of Art and Design, explained her hopes for persons reading the publication.

“I tried to capture some of their stories,” she said. “Crystal, who also wrote most of the biographies, tried to gain some background and find out how they started in their various disciplines, and also their achievements.” She expressed her contentment with the finished product.

The project was funded by the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO in the amount of US $23,000. A total of 300 copies of the book have been printed. The books are expected to be distributed through the public and private school system to be used as reference and research material for students.

Acting Director for Gender Relations, Janey Joseph, applauded the efforts of Mrs. Francis and UNESCO for choosing to highlight women in the field of Arts.

“Many of the arts such as culinary arts, dance and even arts education tended to be largely unpaid. It is therefore encouraging to see many of the women in the publication . . . as the economic autonomy of women was not always perceived as a right.”

The publication was launched at the GIS Studios on Friday, Jan. 31.