Mobility Grants: A grant of US$25,000 was provided to the National Cultural Foundation for regional participation. Cultural practitioners and Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were selected to receive funding for airfare, accommodation, ground transport, exhibition, and other costs during the festival.
Symposium Programming Partner: CIIF was a programming partner with the Office of the Prime Minister for the Symposium Day on Thursday, August 28, at Hilton Barbados, where CIIF curated and hosted a panel under the theme, "Collect, Analyse, Activate! Leveraging National Creative Economy Data." CIIF contributed US$12,000 for panelist travel and venue/technical support.
Grand Market Booth (August 23–31): CDB showcased the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) and SheTrades Caribbean Hub using multimedia content and informational materials at the CARIFESTA XV Grand Market at Waterford, St. Michael. Sarstoon Temash Institute embroidery and design items (Belize) were also featured. Booth expenses were supported by CIIF at a cost of US$20,000.
Youth Engagement: CIIF partnered with the Combermere School to provide trained and stipended volunteers to manage booth activities and assist with visitor engagement.
Film Showcase: CIIF’s docufilm Xe’il – Threads of Culture, Community and Tradition screened on August 25 at Golden Square (between 6-9pm) and on August 29 at Heyman’s Market (between 12 noon – 2pm). An additional screening took place at “Banking on Culture: Data, Policy and Finance” Symposium at the Hilton Barbados on August 28 (9am-4pm). This impactful film has already been featured at three international film festivals.
Knowledge Sharing: CIIF psrticipated in panels and discussions across CARIFESTA XV, including symposiums, “Big Conversations,” and the Grand Market Knowledge Pavilion.
Youth Village Delegation: CDB provided funding to support a delegation from Future Leaders Network across Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). Additional youth delegates included representatives from the Maya community (Belize), Indigenous and Folk Music entrepreneurs (Guyana), visual artists (St. Kitts & Nevis), and a Cultural Tourism entrepreneur (Anguilla).
Youth Engagement at Symposium: Delegates attended CDB’s Symposium “Banking on Culture: Data, Policy and Finance” at the Hilton Barbados as special guests and joined the Q&A session discussions.
CARIFESTA XV Highlights: CIIF is collaborating with the Caribbean Media Corporation to produce post-festival content for regional dissemination.
