The Montserrat Arts Council (MAC) is encouraging members of the island’s creative and business community to attend the upcoming CARIFESTA XIV slated for Trinidad & Tobago from August 16 to 25, 2019.
Acting Director of the Council, Nerissa Golden, said that the current budget for attending CARIFESTA only allows for a very small delegation. She said the opportunity was there for individuals to travel as part of the official delegation, in order to access the added benefits in Trinidad, as long as they are able to cover their own costs.
“We won’t know our full allocation for attending the festival until the government finalizes its budget. However, preliminary indications is that the funds fall well below the vision of the MAC for Montserrat’s representation at the biennial event. This is an opportunity for artisans, small manufacturers, musicians, designers and tech developers to showcase their work and interact and network as there will be representation from all the CARICOM Member States as well as international delegations, distributers and buyers,” Golden explained.
With more than 150 events spread over 10 days, there will be ample opportunities to showcase various aspects of Montserrat. “This is the precursor to Montserrat making an even bigger impact at CARIFEST XV when it comes to Antigua & Barbuda in 2021,” added the Director. “Attending the Trinidad & Tobago edition will allow for local creatives to reintroduce the Caribbean to Montserrat and the talent here. It also allows those who want to understand the market outside of the island to look at the standard at which others are producing work and learn how they can do the same.”
Interested parties should register online at www.carifesta.net. They are also asked to complete a similar form at the office of the Arts Council in Little Bay, as the MAC would need to approve their application as an official delegate. These applications should be completed and submitted by April 30, 2019. For more information email the MAC at info@artscouncil.ms or call (664) 491-8555/8556.
