The concept for a cultural complex in South became imperative when San Fernando and Port of Spain collaborated in 1948 to promote the first ever Music Festival at the Borough House on St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain. By this time, various genres of groups and artistes had begun to make their mark in South Trinidad. However, there was not a space for the artistic life of South to cultivate and advance. In 1956, at the climax of Independence, two influential citizens Robert Montano and Grace Abdool made the efforts to petition the Government to establish a community for the Arts, to create and nurture most of the cultural groups of the area. It was then, the emergence of Naparima Bowl began with a granted parcel of land located at Paradise Pasture at the heart of San Fernando known as “The Tray” with an old building called “The Drill Hall” and $138,000 for the construction of the first theatre in Trinidad.