1 week ago
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CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean today approved a grant of BBD 450,000 (USD 225,000) to support Barbados’ hosting of CARIFESTA XV.
The funding agreement was signed at the CARIFESTA Secretariat in Bridgetown by Senator Dr. the Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for culture, and Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, CAF’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean and Representative in Barbados.
CARIFESTA returns this year after a six-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ten-day festival, themed “Caribbean Roots. Global Excellence,” is expected to attract artists, performers and delegations from across the region and beyond.
Dr. Richards-Kennedy said CAF’s support reflects its focus on the creative economy as a driver of economic growth. “CARIFESTA provides an important platform to highlight the richness of Caribbean creativity and demonstrate how the cultural economy expands opportunities across the creative sector,” she said.
She added that CAF’s grant will support showcasing cultural ambassadors and creative entrepreneurs from across CARICOM, Latin America, North America and Africa, while also sponsoring “Big Conversations,” a new CARIFESTA programme of regional discussions on identity, resilience and sustainability.
Minister Munro-Knight said the funding will help Barbados deliver the festival while creating opportunities for those in the creative industries. “CARIFESTA is a testament to the talent and creativity of our people. This technical assistance grant from CAF will not only help Barbados deliver an exceptional CARIFESTA XV, but it will also create opportunities for those in the creative sector to connect with new audiences, tap into increased business opportunities and contribute to the economic development of our countries and the wider region,” she said.
CARIFESTA XV opens later this month and is expected to draw thousands of visitors and participants.
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