Plans unveiled for creative fund, scholarship

A new initiative aimed at bolstering the creative community in Barbados and across the Caribbean has been announced by Karlos Cobham, founder and producer of the United International Arts Expo (UIAE). 

Cobham revealed plans for a creative fund and a scholarship programme during the launch of the festival’s Walk For The Arts Barbados event, set for Saturday, September from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The organiser is banking on the Walk For The Arts to be both a celebration of culture and a step towards securing the future of the creative industries across the region.

Cobham told journalists that the primary goal of the weekend’s walk is to raise awareness about the local creative sector while generating interest in the upcoming fund. The initiative, which is expected to be established soon, aims to provide financial support for local and regional artists,
as well as scholarships for young creatives across the Caribbean.

“One of the things we want to establish is an art fund for creatives on the island and across the Caribbean, as well as a scholarship fund for five Caribbean youth,” Cobham said. “We want to establish this UIAE scholarship fund so that five Caribbean youth can study on student exchange programmes and further their development in the arts abroad.”

In addition to the scholarships, the fund will offer creatives the opportunity to submit proposals for financial assistance on various projects, providing much-needed support to the region’s artistic community.

Cobham urged Barbadians to participate in the upcoming Walk For The Arts, which will begin in Warrens near the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) offices and conclude at the National Botanical Gardens. The event will also feature art and other cultural displays.

Sean Apache Carter, President of the Barbados Association of Creatives and Artistes (BACA), expressed his full support for the walk, emphasising the need for unity among cultural practitioners.

“For too long, we have operated as individuals and not united. That is something that has worked against cultural practitioners throughout the years,” Carter said. “So the Walk For The Arts is more than just a walk; it’s a movement that represents a collective commitment by the artists to ourselves.” (SB)