CAF approves nearly half a million dollars to boost Barbados’ CARIFESTA XV

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has approved a grant of BBD 450,000 (USD 225,000) to support cultural tourism and the creative economy as Barbados prepares to host CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean’s premier multidisciplinary arts festival.

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The letter of award was signed Monday at the CARIFESTA Secretariat 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, returning after a six-year hiatus due to COVID-19, brings together artists, performers, and delegations from across the region to showcase the richness and diversity of Caribbean culture. The 2025 edition, themed “Caribbean Roots. Global Excellence,” will highlight the region’s creative industries, which are key contributors to economic growth and regional integration.

The CAF grant will support the promotion of Caribbean cultural expressions in food, fashion, music, dance, visual arts, and literature, while also facilitating dialogues on development challenges and opportunities through culture-driven exchanges. CAF will also serve as the title sponsor for “Big Conversations,” a new CARIFESTA initiative that addresses topics of Caribbean identity, resilience, and sustainability.

“Culture and the diverse forms of cultural expression are at the heart of Caribbean identity. They also represent important drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy. “By supporting this regional festival, CAF is demonstrating its continued commitment to working with our shareholder countries to strengthen the creative industries as drivers of sustainable economic growth.”

In Barbados, CAF has previously funded cultural and heritage tourism projects, including initiatives under the Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny (ROAD) Programme, which aims to strengthen connections to history and cultural assets.

Dr. Munro-Knight expressed her gratitude for CAF’s support: “CARIFESTA is a testament to the talent and creativity of our people. This technical assistance grant 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 economic development in our countries and the wider region.”

CARIFESTA XV is scheduled to be a ten-day festival, expected to attract thousands of visitors and participants from across the Caribbean and beyond.