ABOUT US

The Msgr. Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC) was established in 1973 by a young Catholic priest Patrick Anthony and a group of young people of different faiths. The main influences on the FRC were the global black consciousness movement and the discussions on identity and Caribbean civilisation; the proclamation of the second Vatican Council particularly the role of culture in evangelization; the mobilisation of the Caribbean region to address issues of decolonisation, economic and social development, cultural invasion (from North America) and consumerism.

The FRC is a unique institution in the Caribbean region. It is a non-governmental membership based, governed and registered as a not-for-profit company. The programme portfolio on cultural development is as extensive as the portfolio of the national state-funded cultural department. The Folk Research Centre (FRC) is a repository for cultural heritage, a vehicle for research, study, recording, and promulgating Saint Lucia’s rich heritage.

Cited: EU-LAC Foundation. (2022, March). The Msgr. Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC), Saint Lucia – Transformative Programmes on Culture. EU-LAC Foundation

Vision Statement

Our vision is for the FRC to collaborate with government, the public and private sectors as an equal partner in promoting the development of the folk culture of Saint Lucia.

Mission Statement

To be in the vanguard of promoting the role of culture at the centre of national development and to safeguard Saint Lucia’s intangible cultural heritage.