The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) officially inaugurated a monumental piece of public art entitled ‘The Arches of Cultural Wealth‘ last Friday (June 20), at the intersection of Duke Street and Peter’s Lane. 

The central bank also announced an impact investment of J$15 million over a three-year period, as part of Kingston Creative’s Adopt‑A‑Block initiative, which seeks to ensure the creation of an art district in downtown Kingston.

This striking new work of art was created by visual artist Pamella Chang, a young creative hailing from Mandeville.

She explained that this mural is a celebration of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and the dynamic evolution of our monetary systems.

Chang was supported in the execution by the artists Marvin Hibbert, Shanelle Davis, and Jaevon Vassell.

The mural is a central part of the BOJ’s multi-year commitment to downtown under Kingston Creative’s Adopt-a-Block programme, where the NGO is seeking to have eight city blocks of Water Lane adopted by corporate entities.

The BOJ is the seventh entity to come on board, with only one remaining block to be adopted.

The ceremony, also attended by BOJ’s staff members, highlighted the central bank’s commitment to public engagement and national identity through creative expression. 

“At the Bank of Jamaica, we firmly believe in Kingston’s immense potential as a more desirable location for Jamaicans to live and work and as a hub for cultural tourism and a thriving ecosystem,” said Governor Richard Byles.

“We recognise that the growth of Jamaica‘s creative economy significantly contributes to national development and GDP, and that the economic and social vitality of Kingston as a Creative City depends on strategic investments, public-private collaborations and enabling frameworks. That is why we are here today: To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the transformation of Kingston and, by extension, Jamaica.”

This installation reflects not only the bank’s presence in the area since the 1960s, but its active engagement in culture, creative placemaking and neighbourhood revitalisation.  

This 115th mural and adoption of a block of downtown Kingston is a milestone of Kingston Creative’s nonprofit mission to enable Caribbean creatives to succeed so that they can create economic and social value, gain access to global markets, and have a positive impact on their local communities.