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Montserrat To Miss CARIFESTA XV

Montserrat will not be participating in the Caribbean’s premier festival of arts and culture, scheduled to take place in Barbados later this month. The Montserrat Arts Council, in a statement, has confirmed Montserrat’s absence from CARIFESTA 15, citing the decision was made after careful consideration and in consultation with the Office of the Premier. The statement said it was determined that Montserrat’s immediate focus must remain on the effective delivery of this year’s December Festival and the 2026 St. Patrick’s Week of Activities, which are central to the island’s cultural calendar. It continues that given the timing and level of preparation required, participation in CARIFESTA 15 would have placed undue strain on both logistical and financial resources. Instead, MAC is turning its attention to the early planning and preparation for CARIFESTA 2027. The MAC says work will begin this year to develop a comprehensive plan and budget to ensure that Montserrat is well-positioned to make a strong, high-quality showing at the next regional festival. The Council says it remains committed to promoting Montserrat’s vibrant culture at home and abroad, and believes that quality representation, rather than rushed participation, best serves the island’s long-term interests. CARIFESTA, which brings together artists, performers, and cultural practitioners from across the region, offers a platform to showcase national talent and heritage. This year’s festival will celebrate the vibrancy, creativity, and innovation of Caribbean culture while addressing global challenges such as sustainability, resilience, and peace-building. CARIFESTA 15 will be held under the theme “Caribbean Roots…Global Excellence” and aims to position the Caribbean as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and creative excellence.

Montserrat Artists Could Benefit from CARIFESTA Grant

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Artists and creatives across Montserrat looking to participate in the Caribbean Festival of Arts- CARIFESTA 15, will receive a major financial boost, through the CARIFESTA 15 Mobility Assistance Grant (MAG). A new partnership between the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) in host country Barbados and the Caribbean Development Bank’s Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) was announced this week. The two organisations will provide direct support to creatives participating in the Caribbean’s premier cultural festival. The NCF has pledged to match the CIIF’s contribution, effectively doubling the number of grants available and enabling 20 recipients to each receive two thousand, five hundred US dollars to help cover expenses such as airfare, accommodation, ground transportation, and shipping of materials. The programme aims to remove significant financial barriers to participation in CARIFESTA XV, which will be held in Barbados from August 22 to 31. By pooling resources, the two organisations aim to provide tangible support to Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the creative sector, helping them to scale their operations, access new markets, and forge invaluable cross-border collaborations. The Mobility Assistance Grants are open to officially selected CARIFESTA XV participants from the 19 CDB borrowing member countries, operating within the sub-sectors of music, visual arts, fashion and contemporary design, audio-visual (including film, gaming, and animation), and festivals and carnivals. The selection process will prioritise applicants who can demonstrate a clear business case for their participation and a strong potential for growth. Fund Coordinator of the CIIF Malene Joseph described the partnership with the NCF as a perfect embodiment of their mission to enable the region’s creative industries sector to become globally competitive. The grant funds will be managed by the NCF, which will make direct payments to service providers on behalf of the grantees, ensuring a transparent and accountable disbursement process. This initiative is a cornerstone of a broader partnership framework between the NCF and CIIF for CARIFESTA XV, which also includes capacity-building workshops and stakeholder engagement events, all aimed at strengthening the creative industries’ value chain.

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