Barbados’ vibrant cultural heritage could soon take centre stage in its tourism industry, thanks to a visionary proposal by woodwork artist Tito Clarke.By turning artisan workshops into interactive tourist attractions, Clarke aims to merge creativity with commerce, offering visitors an authentic taste of Barbadian artistry while empowering craftsmen.The artisan is urging the Ministry of Tourism to support a plan that would transform artisan workshops into immersive tourist attractions, giving visitors a firsthand look at the island’s creative talent while boosting artists’ visibility and sales.Under Clarke’s vision, tourists would not only visit workshops but also engage in hands-on experiences—learning to craft sculptures, furniture, and other artistic pieces as part of a curated tour.Despite the uniqueness of their work, many artisans struggle to secure steady sales or adequate exposure, he explains.“There are some shops that sell items constantly, but with this kind of work, you don’t sell something every day or even every week,” he tells Barbados TODAY at his roadside workshop called King Blessed, located along Golden Acres, St Stephen’s Hill, St Michael. “But when something does sell, it brings in a good dollar, so you can survive. What we really need is for the work to be seen; we need more exposure.”Clarke stresses that visitors are often captivated by his craft and the handiworks of other artisans but questions why they remain largely absent from mainstream areas where tourists frequent.“Tourists come from overseas and, when they see this work for the first time, they are amazed. They always ask, ‘Why isn’t this at the airport? Why isn’t it in the hotels?’ This work needs to be seen,” he says.