The Montserrat Arts Council (MAC) has a mandate to foster the development of art; uplift the condition of arts and artists; advise the Minister on art and cultural matters; ensure the implementation of the government’s cultural policy; implement government’s regional and international cultural commitments; and co-ordinate the activities of the agencies in Montserrat responsible for cultural activities. The Montserrat Arts Council (MAC) bases its operations on the draft Montserrat Cultural Policy and MAC’s mandate. The following five thematic areas have been identified for priority attention:

• Strengthen national identity by preserving and celebrating cultural forms;
• Establish and strengthen relationships with regional and international organisations which support the cultural industry;
• Strengthen MAC capacity to support cultural industries;
• Strengthen Community Groups’ capacity to support cultural industries; and
• Contribute to the economic growth of Montserrat through cultural industries.

These themes were used to develop and identify projects, workshops and programmes that were given technical and financial support.