This article addresses the opportunities and challenges related to the mobility of artists and culture professionals in the Caribbean. It aims to explore key findings from the recent Cultural Mobility Funding Guide for the Caribbean Region, highlighting barriers to mobility and access to essential resources. It also builds upon the Cultural Mobility Webinar organised by On the Move on the topic, that showcased innovative initiatives enhancing the mobility of arts workers within the region and beyond.
The ability of artists and culture professionals to move across borders is vital for numerous reasons. It not only facilitates broader career opportunities, expands audiences and markets, and creates jobs within the cultural and creative sectors, but it also fosters cross-cultural dialogue. This is especially relevant in the Caribbean, a region renowned for its rich cultural diversity, tangible and intangible heritage, and vibrant artistic expressions.
A fragmented cultural landscape
Cultural mobility within, from and to the Caribbean remains hindered by structural challenges, such as a lack of information and unequal access to opportunities, both within the region itself and in connection with Europe and other world regions. Compared to other world regions, there are relatively fewer funding programmes specifically focused on the national or local level within the Caribbean. This may be due, in part, to the smaller size of some Caribbean territories and, in some cases, their lack of historical connection to larger nation-states. Mobility within archipelagos or domestic territories often takes priority over international travel in these regions, despite the exceptionally high cost of air travel within the area, among the most expensive in the world.
It is important to note that a substantial portion of international mobility funding is designed for artists or culture professionals from the global South, and many opportunities are open to individuals from the Caribbean. However, these programmes are often established by government agencies, arts councils, or international residencies in the global North, and they tend to focus on events, capacity building, and short-term exploration grants. The broad geographic scope of such opportunities also means that Caribbean artists are in direct competition with candidates from other regions, making it more difficult to secure funding.
Another trend that emerges is the significant number of opportunities that are tied to linguistic or historical connections, such as those available to Spanish-speaking or French-speaking areas. These programmes often reflect the historical and national links that remain influential in shaping cultural policies across many Caribbean territories. However, there are relatively few funding programmes that treat the Caribbean as a unified region, and even fewer that provide specific opportunities for incoming mobility. While there are some opportunities for Caribbean artists and culture professionals to travel abroad, there are considerably fewer chances for Caribbean audiences and artistic communities to host international artists. This imbalance highlights the need for greater attention to fostering inbound mobility, which could enrich the cultural landscape of the Caribbean and support more diverse artistic exchanges.
Specific challenges and needs
When reflecting on the challenges faced by artists and culture professionals based in the Caribbean, it often centres on the difficulty of finding support and understanding the landscape of available opportunities. As Ana Maria Hernandez, founder of Plataforma Aruba, observes, many cultural stakeholders in the Caribbean are unaware of the funding opportunities available to them and how to access these resources. This lack of awareness is largely due to issues of visibility and accessibility. Moreover, many artists may see or hear about potential opportunities but do not fully comprehend that these are viable options for them to execute their projects. Another major issue is the process of (self-)exoticisation, where creators feel pressured to align with concepts and aesthetics from the global North, drawing on Western standards and narratives to access opportunities – essentially conforming to the assumptions and expectations of evaluators from the global North.
Many cultural practitioners, while aware of open funding calls, lack the necessary infrastructure to take full advantage of them. Addressing the administrative, legal, and tax structuring required demands navigating the unique circumstances of each island and country within the Caribbean. Ensuring genuine accessibility means moving beyond surface-level solutions and understanding these complex, localised challenges, including the bureaucratic processes needed to operate in the region and beyond.
Administrative hurdles arise when applying for international funding, especially when legal structures do not align with international requirements. Often, travel and exchange must pass through the global North or distant, extra-regional hubs, which increases costs and creates logistical barriers. This is particularly problematic for fostering regional collaboration.
Learning from the case of U.S. territories in the Caribbean
The specific challenges faced by artists and cultural professionals in the U.S. territories, particularly in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, can be categorised into three key areas: visibility, sustainability, and inclusivity. These challenges align with broader issues of representation and access to opportunities, as highlighted by Jake Neuberger, the programme coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean for the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC).
The issue of visibility is particularly significant. While artists in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are U.S. citizens and thus eligible to apply for the same opportunities as those available to arts professionals in the continental U.S., they are often not explicitly mentioned in programme details. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for artists from these territories to identify and access relevant opportunities. There is a need to shed a brighter light on eligibility conditions and to ensuring these communities feel truly included.
Sustainability is another critical concern. Certain local funding opportunities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are instable or uncertainty surrounding their long-term viability. The aftermath of the hurricanes in 2017 and 2018 has had a lasting impact on cultural programmes in these territories. Many initiatives had to change their scope or were discontinued altogether, reflecting a broader challenge related to recovery and resilience. Without sustainable structures in place, long-term stability remains elusive for many cultural organisations in these regions.
Inclusivity ties into the need for greater efforts to integrate these artists into the wider cultural landscape. Unlike certain arts federations and councils in the U.S. that promote opportunities for multiple states collectively, there are no equivalent structures specifically serving U.S. territories or Caribbean territories under U.S. jurisdiction. This absence can lead to a sense of exclusion or disillusionment among artists from these regions, complicating efforts to map and promote opportunities. Furthermore, when comparing the U.S. to the European Union, there are regional initiatives within the EU that foster cooperation and support for artists, which are less prevalent in the U.S. territories. Addressing these gaps could help create more region-specific opportunities for artists and culture professionals in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Caribbean artists and culture professionals in U.S. territories emphasise the need of creating opportunities for mobility, cultural exchange, and professional development that address the unique challenges faced by these communities. Funders need to acknowledge the financial and logistical burdens for individuals travelling from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland United States.
Programmes that facilitate residencies or cultural exchanges between U.S. territories and the mainland are crucial for two reasons. Firstly, they promote cultural exchange between the host communities and the visiting artists. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, they help to foster connections between the diaspora community on the mainland and those remaining in the territories. This connection is essential from both a cultural and social perspective, particularly for individuals who have faced displacement or enforcement actions. Moreover, such opportunities can elevate the voices of underrepresented communities within the broader U.S. context, raising awareness and advocating for greater mobility opportunities specifically aimed at these groups.
Finally, significant gaps in data concerning the demographics and challenges of U.S. territories, which often consist of historically disenfranchised communities. In territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, these are predominantly communities of colour. Investing in local membership organisations allows these communities to take collective action and provides them with the agency and resources needed to create sustainable infrastructures. By empowering local organisations and granting them the backing they need, stakeholders can ensure medium- and long-term sustainability, which is a key goal in developing the creative and cultural sectors in these regions.
Contextualising global issues
Issues faced by culture professionals and funding agencies in the Caribbean reflect global trends while also highlighting region-specific challenges. Many of the recurring difficulties encountered by these organisations, including government bodies, arts councils, and funding agencies, are influenced by broader geopolitical and structural factors. For instance, sovereignty plays a significant role, particularly for territories and nations that operate within larger political contexts. Magdalena Moreno Mujica, Executive Director of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies, notes a significant impact on institutions, such as those in Puerto Rico, whose connections with Latin American counterparts can be complicated by these dynamics. Similar issues are seen in the Pacific, where sovereign territories face comparable challenges.
Budget constraints also present ongoing issues, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. While stimulus packages were initially welcomed, providing flexibility and fostering creative online exchanges, many organisations now face budget cuts as government spending declines. This has placed pressure on countries to prioritise domestic needs, complicating the question of international support, particularly from the global North, where there is often resistance to sending funds abroad, to develop a deliberate and intentional approach to addressing challenges, and to abandon any reciprocity approach. Equally important is the development of cultural policies at the national and territorial levels that take into account local needs and create environments conducive to civil society organisations and cultural practitioners engaging in international cultural relations.
There is a strong need for targeted development programmes which could empower many more individuals if they had better access to information, guidance, and mentoring. There is a wealth of information and knowledge available, but simply making it accessible is not enough. The challenge lies in ensuring that this information reaches those who need it most and in helping them understand how to make the best use of it. Building processes for disseminating and contextualising information is essential, and there is a clear need for more tools and platforms that cater to the specific needs of the Caribbean region. This includes addressing the region’s linguistic diversity and ensuring that (digital) tools are equipped to meet these challenges.
The climate crisis is another pressing concern. While land-connected regions may more easily address environmental issues related to mobility, island regions and archipelagos face greater difficulties in supporting sustainable exchange. While online platforms offer a partial solution, in-person interactions remain crucial for fostering the creative energy that face-to-face exchanges bring. These issues resonate strongly, and there is a need for continued development in these areas, encouraging members not only in the Caribbean but globally to broaden their outreach and ensure that critical information is widely accessible.
The difficulty for Caribbean artists and culture professionals to obtain visas for travel to the global North remains a significant obstacle. This issue is often overlooked, despite international agreements like the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which calls in its article 16 for preferential treatment for cultural professionals from developing countries. International commitments should make it easier for artists from the global South to access markets in the global North. Additionally, tools like the recently presented Fair Culture Charter, aimed at fostering cultural exchange between the global North and South, offer promising solutions.
The European Union is working to enhance mobility opportunities by providing funding and ensuring that comprehensive, easily accessible information is available both in Europe and in other world regions. The Culture Moves Europe flagship programme supports, part of the eligible mobility routes, the mobility from and to the European outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) in the Caribbean. In addition, the EU also contributes to international exchanges through key initiatives such as the ACP-EU Programme and TransCultura, which specifically focuses on the Caribbean. These initiatives offer training grants, capacity-building workshops, and networking opportunities. The overarching goal is to empower artists, enhance their skills, build international partnerships, and facilitate access to new markets. Looking forward, particularly regarding the EU’s international cultural relations, there should be a stronger and more consistent commitment to enhancing EU-Caribbean relations, fostering growth and intercultural dialogue with the appropriate investments and instruments.
Resources
Englert, B.; Gföllner, B.; and Thomsen, S. (2021), Cultural Mobilities Between Africa and the Caribbean. African Diaspora Literary and Cultural Studies. New York City: Routledge, available at https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/3283debd-3871-40d1-a14c-366831b80f5b/9781000399042.pdf
Gérome Arnell, G. (7 June 2024), “A Brief Conversation #3: Is Caribbean Aviation Doomed to High Costs and Instability?”, available at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/brief-conversation-3-caribbean-aviation-doomed-high-costs-arnell-6bjse/
Institut français (2024), Archipel.eu Pilot Project – Final Recommendations. Paris: Institut français, available at https://programme-archipel.eu/recommendations/
Martinell Sempere, A.; and Fernández León, J. (2023), Cultural Cooperation between European, Latin American and Caribbean countries: Concepts, Strategies and Good Practices. Hamburg: EU-LAC Foundation, available at https://eulacfoundation.org/en/publications
Mendes-Franco, J. (14 September 2024), “Why aren’t Caribbean artists better funded?”. Global Voices, available at https://globalvoices.org/2024/09/14/why-arent-caribbean-artists-better-funded/#
Mira Burri, M. and Nurse, K. (2019), Culture in the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement. Rebalancing trade flows between Europe and the Caribbean?. Policy & Research. Paris: UNESCO, available at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000368382
On the Move (2022), Cultural Mobility Flows – European Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries & Territories. Report and Policy Recommendations, available at https://on-the-move.org/resources/library/cultural-mobility-flows-european-outermost-regions-and-overseas-countries-and
On the Move (2024), Panel discussion part of the Cultural Mobility Forum with Dr Kim-Marie Spence (Jamaica-UK), Internationalisation from the Peripheries, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re-_CKdCGWI