Akley Olton is a filmmaker and visual artist based in St. Vincent and Grenadines, with a passion for stories that inspire & provoke. He is dedicated to the development of Caribbean cinema and has been trained in the visual arts, graphic design, animation and film and audiovisual production. He has been building a professional career as a Director of Photography, with 10+ years experience with Cinematography, Colour Correction, and Grading, Video Production, on several local, regional and international projects, including award-winning fiction & documentaries films.

Althea Hewitt received her initial inspiration from her dad Stephen Hewitt who started his career as a guitarist in “Hippie Boys” band and owner of the “Mighty Cloud” band. She studied business administration, pursued her dream in music between modeling stints and working as a receptionist/typist. A former member/lead singer of 4th Street Sister, she has garnered over fifteen years of musical experience. Vocal training in pop, and classical. She did drama, voice and speech at Edna Manley College. Althea has two albums under her belt, Introducing Althea Hewitt (2008) and Stronger (2019) and looks forward to blazing new trails.

Born in 1958, Alwyn St. Omer is the fourth child in a family of nine. His Mother Cynthia was a personal assistant in the Prime Minister’s office and his father the late Hon. Sir Dunstan St. Omer, a widely acclaimed international artist of Saint Lucian origins. As a child, Alwyn was inspired by the plentiful supply of picture books around the house, which served to motivate him to draw and paint pictures. Also, at about age six he was introduced to Illustrated Classics and Marvel Comics, which stimulated his appetite, not only for graphic designs, but also for fairytales and storytelling in a pictorial format. Growing up in an artistic environment provided stimulus. Alwyn as a young inspiring artist was privileged to witness plays performed by the famous local company—Saint Lucia Arts Guild—adding a dimension of realism to what he saw and read on the page.

He was enamoured by plays steeped in the island’s rich folk and musical traditions that included some of the early works of the island’s Nobel Laureate, poet Derek Walcott and his playwright twin brother Roderick. It is from this launching pad that Alwyn, the artist and storyteller was thrust into orbit, a creative artist with very deep passion and lifelong desire to document his island’s cultural heritage through his drawings and paintings. For him rediscovery and preservation of all the treasures forming the formidable expanse loosely termed the Saint Lucian Environment, History, Culture and Folklore would be his life’s achievement. Its art, myths, writings and traditions. Alwyn studied Art at the Edna Manley School for the Visual Arts in Jamaica and Video Production and Audio Visuals at Portsmouth College in England. Alwyn is a master draughtsman and colorist defining and refining images in a style that is uniquely his own. His work is numerous including paintings in Acrylics and oil on canvas, Pen and ink illustrations and wall murals.

Of note are his Design of St Lucia’s National Independence Monument, the Semi Dome Mural in the ceiling of the ancient River Doree Anglican Church in Choiseul, the Castries City Council commissioned outdoor murals at Faux- a-Chaud on the outskirts of the city, his Moon Dancer Series of abstract Paintings based on the lost Masquerade Tradition of St Lucia and Soucoyan, a Graphic Novel on St Lucian Folktales.

Amir Denzel Hall struggles with bios tbh. He knows this much tho; when he writes, performs or dreams, he feels free. And above all things, he is trying to share that feeling.

Angelique McKay is a cultural warrior in The Bahamas, has been the project manager for several programs that has taken various aspects of Bahamian culture around the world. She is the CEO and founder of the award winning Junkanoo Commandos Organization, an organization that travels promoting the number one cultural expression of the people of The Bahamas...Junkanoo. She is also the creator and artistic Director of the newest Festival in The Bahamas, The Bahamas Junkanoo Art and Music Festival that is 2 years old. She holds a Masters Degree in Cultural Project Development from the University of Turin and has several certifications in various aspects of Festival and Events management from The International Festival and Events Association. Angelique has a nine year old son, Zyon who means more than the world to her and ads a different level of happiness to her life.

Anika Plowden Corentin is a visual story-teller from Trinidad and Tobago. Her accolades include receiving the People’s Choice Award at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago’s 75th Members Exhibition, May 2018; the award for the Best 2-Dimensional Piece at the Women In Art Exhibition in September 2018, and the best oil painting in 2019. Her work was also featured in the Women In Art Inaugural Calendar 2019, as well as the Carifesta Exhibition that same year. In 2020, her ‘Angel Belles’ were central to the International Women's Day Exhibition held at the Red House Rotunda Gallery in Trinidad and Tobago.

Anika is the founder and creative director of the non-profit Chosen Hands (Art and Wellness Program). She and her team work with at risk/vulnerable youths, using creativity as a positive vehicle for self-expression. She is concerned with authentically using her voice to explore the nuances of life as a black, Caribbean woman and first generation academic and artist. Her ‘Dancing Belles’ explore the potential of girls/women to soar, thrive and ultimately win in the face of adversity. The belle is a heavily textured female figure with outreached arms in movement and in flight; rising above factors in life which attempt to oppress or restrict women’s success Anika holds a BSc. in Sociology with Human Resource Management, MSc. Sociology ( UWI) and MBA- Henley Business School Reading.

A Tree with many branches! ... Charl Baker is Canadian born but Jamaican made. She is an artist , designer and a stylist. A creative individual that delights in making Something from nothing … A CREATIVE ALCHEMIST Art is just an extension of my soul. I truly believe i was born to create. " I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength " I use various mediums to express creativity. My interest is visual and performing arts is multifarious. I continue to pursue creative endeavors and my passion for the arts is the driving force behind my business Studio 969. So whether I am styling for the latest film, commercial or music video or creating a new look for an upcoming artist or existing super star my signature is evident. I think of life as my ever changing canvas - where fabric transforms to jewelry and recycled materials and wire take root and become my "Trees of Life". Painting is the voice I give to my minds’ eye for murals or other works of art. Once my hands and he.Art are engaged this is my bliss. The continued development of my craft. Creative expression is my souls desire. The artistic journey continues ...the best is yet to come!

I am an object designer and spoken word poet with a passion for designing objects and experiences that support emotional well-being through moments of self-reflection. In knowing our Selves, we have the power to cultivate the life of our dreams. I earned my BA in Architectural Studies from the Caribbean School of Architecture, UTECH in Jamaica. Currently, I am halfway through a Master of Design in Designed Objects at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, IL. My collections are inspired by my architectural background, my [spiritual] life growing up in Jamaica, and intriguing natural patterns.

One of the owners for DLSD Creations and also the main designer. I normally made things here and there but in March, I saw a need & decided to try my hand at masks. Since, I never looked back. I am now looking into designing many more products with a focus on manufacturing.

I am Desrine Bryce a small entrepreneur, who resides and operates in the community of Majesty Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica. I am a graduate of Excelsor Community College with a first degree in Hospital Management. I have been previously employed to the Ministry of National Security where I work as a Community Officer. As of June 2020 I became self Employed, where my business became my main source of income, and was no longer a side business. The business as been seeing development and potential to grow with consistency and proper management. The business consist of 2 parts, a service side and physical product offering. The service side is where I provide a salon service to my clients and the products are what I sell to them physically, such as satin Bonnets, scrunches, make up and other beauty supplies. I am a well rounded individual who believes that anything is possible once you put your mind to it and work smart to achieve your goals.

Greetings, I am a sculptor that presently specifies in wooden art, I work mainly with Lignum Vitae(Iron wood) the national flower of Jamaica. I have always been passionate about turning art from something that would seem like nothing to others. For more than ten years I worked with disenfranchised youth through the mighty gully youth project in Old Harbour St. Catherine using art as a means to teach our youths life coping skills. As our motto says: Empowering our youths.

Independent filmmaker Dwayne “Stewy” Stewart is a native of Jamaica and has worked in Jamaica and the U.S. as a filmmaker, musician, and writer. In 2018 Stewy launched a production company named Rxfilms, which handles all aspects of taking a project from conception to completion. As director/producer he has helped to create a variety of content including: short films, documentaries, webseries, music videos, commercials, and talk shows. A member of the team behind the creation of B.O.M.B. Network, which is an online television and radio website focused on content from the Caribbean and other emerging and under-represented markets, Stewy is known for his uncompromising devotion to quality and is firmly committed to the development and progression of a loyal film culture in Jamaica

Enith Williams is a business and investment professional with over 30 years experience working on projects for social and economic development. She is passionate about community and human capital development and has worked on numerous community engagement projects in the USA and Jamaica. She returned to live in Jamaica in 2010, and founded the Downtown Kingston Music Theatre in 2016. The project uses musical theatre as a social intervention to introduce participant to career opportunities in the creative industry including performance and technical theatre skills. Enith is an award winning poet and short story writer.

Evoné Walters is a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, School of Drama in Kingston, Jamaica. She has over 10 years experience in the theatre industry. She has worn hats such as stage manager, TV show production manager, radio producer and project coordinator. Currently she is a creative and social entrepreneur, theatre director and producer. She is the founder and managing director of Artribute Performing Arts, a company focused on using the performing arts as a medium of learning.

I am the creator and illustrator of Spectacular Spec, Cea and Nine, and Kakunocouple. Along with my personal projects I current work as an illustrator for Listenmi Caribbean ltd. as well as I do freelance illustration. I was the winner of Kingstoons 2019 storyboard design category as well as finishing second place in character design and Pitch development. I believe in working hard and smart at what I do, and I continue to strive to be a professional of international standards in the field of illustration and animation. You can find me on all Social Media @Gashhuds

I am a 26 year old abstract artist working out of Kingston, Jamaica W.I., I pull inspiration from my surroundings as well as my own personal experiences. I do enjoy adding a unique perspective to my work in order to make each piece memorable, creating geometric shapes and using bright colours. My motto is "adding colour to your world".

Born Jamila Falak James on November 27, 1993 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, music was always an integral part of her formative years. Jamila has a range that spans several genres. She plans to share more of her diverse catalog with the world. Whether it's a jazzy ballad or a high energy afrobeat, Jamila ensures that her listeners know that her music is timeless.

Born in 1992 and raised in the sunny island of Barbados, Kadiejra O’Neal is a multidisciplinary artist working predominantly in paint and photography whose practice thematically focuses on exploring physical and emotional relationships, which may shape or confront the human condition, culture and identity. Kadiejra graduated in 2017 from Toronto’s Ryerson University with a BFA in Photography and has since been exhibiting works locally and internationally, with shows in Canada, China as well as the UK.

Lisa Codella’s creative practice is inspired by what she calls “the perfect imperfection of Nature” and by the history and legends of The Bahamas. Born in Nassau, Lisa earned degrees from The College of The Bahamas, and the University of Miami (1989) leading to a career in corporate communication until she abandoned the board room for studio life and pursued her calling as a full-time artist. Today, she lives in Grand Bahama, where she balances her time between her home studio, 143 Pottery, and her retail outlet for her ceramics and other handmade Bahamian gifts, Coastal Mojo.

She is Toronto's Queen of Comedy with a Jamaican Twist. Maliaka Bryce aka "Your Sweet Senorita" is an award-winning Comedian, nominated Actress, Master of Ceremonies, and Founder of Senorita Productions; an Event Planning and Media Production Company. Born in Toronto, Canada to Jamaican parents, Maliaka uses her passion for making people laugh to encourage health and wellness for the past 15 years. She has made a name for herself as one of the top female Comedic Host/Comedy Producers in Canada and the Caribbean.

I am a self-start creative. I started making underwear (panties and tube-tops) in 2007. Then I started "pulling up" old clothes and examining how they were made; where and how the stitches were placed. From there, I started making t-shirts and tights. Now, I have launched out. I can make a wide variety of women's clothing pieces; from underwear sets to gym wear to suits for the professional office environment.

Michelle Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director – Precious Beginnings Precious Beginnings, an all-inclusive events management estate located in the tropical paradise of Jamaica, is owned and led by business savvy Creative Director, Michelle Carpenter. As a Business Educator, Michelle is convinced that she is assigned by God, her Master Teacher to commission youth entrepreneurs to unleash their gifts to create a sustainable world by providing innovative business solutions. As an Educators Celebration Coach, she is extremely passionate about helping time-strapped school leaders celebrate demotivated and overwhelmed educators in order to maximize teacher retention and create top-performing schools. Michelle is the proud recipient of Jamaica’s National Housing Trust Entrepreneurial Award, 2015 (Budding Category). Coupled with over twenty four years experience as a youth empowerment strategist and Business Educator , she is a seasoned florist and interior decorator with a keen eye for details, one inspired by elegance and originality. Regardless of the client’s tastes and preference, Michelle has the natural ability to create exquisite, customized floral designs and gift baskets with a unique flair to meet every need. As a Kingdompreneur, her lifetime mission is to empower others by modelling discipline, hard work and Christ-centered living. With God as her creative director, she is destined to make Precious Beginnings the world’s premier educators celebration destination.

23 year old Jamaican photographer, Naomi Redway prides herself in capturing uniquely powerful street portraits of everyday people. Apart from her personal artistic projects, she also enjoys attending events and shooting concert photography. Naomi is emotionally invested in her photography and considers her greatest achievement being the ability to unlock a thought process and evoke a feeling in her audience through her images.She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree of Clinical Medicine and is enrolled in her 5th year.

Nikisha Toppin is a corporate communications practitioner with more than nine years’ experience in the field. Her areas of focus include public relations, public affairs, digital marketing and business development. She holds an MSc in Marketing and a BSc in Management. An avid writer, facilitator, and trainer, Nikisha works with non-profit organizations to help them achieve their goals and objectives. A crochet enthusiast, she expresses her passion for the craft through the creation of customized products. Mrs. Toppin looks forward to continuously contributing to Caribbean culture and is keen to see the craft industry expand beyond the country’s shores.

Oneika has been a practicing artist both locally and internationally from 2005. She has exhibited both regionally and internationally and has had the opportunity to participate in various programmes such as the MEXT: Monbukagakusho scholarship, the Davidoff Art Initiative/ Residency Unlimited Residency Programme and the Commonwealth Arts & Crafts Award. She has also taught at The Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts in Kingston from 2014-18. Oneika was also the creator and main contributor behind the now archived art blog, ART:Jamaica. Oneika acts as producer, videographer and editor on the series of short form art docs on our YouTube channel and project planner for our curatorial projects.

Birthed in St. Kitts and raised with a cacophony of familial influences, the truth of my lived experience echoes the term ‘emerging artist.’ Exploring the boundlessness of identity and expressive communication, I’m preoccupied with language, it’s presentation, and component words/phrases, especially with regards to how they translate what’s important about who we actually are. The fundamentals of how use words are used for meaning, for impact, and even for frivolity, influenced my choice towards collegiate education in visual arts training. Furthermore, I’ve developed focus on Branding and Identity Design in multi-disciplinary contexts that capitalize on strategic creative thinking and implementation.

Rhonda a Trinidadian documentary filmmaker. She earned merit-based scholarships which allowed her to pursue her tertiary studies in the US, where various threads interwove into her pursuit of a career in documentary film. She has been the Managing Director of Bird’s Eye View Productions since 2018, and has kept the social issue tradition of the company alive, further moulding it with her creative voice. Informed by empathy, a desire for justice and equality, and a critical practice that acknowledges her own positionality as a POC woman from the Global South, Rhonda is interested in exploring social issues, environment and culture.

Richard Nattoo is an illustrator and fine artist born in St. Catherine Jamaica. He graduated from the University of Technology where he received a BA in Architecture. Richard’s work has been featured in several National Gallery of Jamaica exhibitions as well as solo exhibits. He has garnered much acclaim for his surreal dreamlike creations that explore human emotions on a raw cerebral level.

I am Integrated Marketing Communication student at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. I would describe myself as someone who is empathetic, resilient, organized, dependable and altruistic. Aside from being a student, I am also an entrepreneur and freelance writer. I believe that my life's purpose is to uplift and encourage others as you get nowhere in life without helping others. I hope to become an inspiration to others to know that there is light within them and they should not be afraid to showcase it. In the future, I hope to become a Marketing professional.

I am so grateful to be apart of this wonderful concept,I love fashion with a passion,enjoy making my costumers feeling satisfy of the works that I put out.Over all I just want to thank God for this amazing talent he place in my hands,So I can achieve my goal in life .Thankful that I am getting the help and will use this opportunity to enhance myself in making my dreams come through. I'm honored to be working in this platform,will do my best to represent my country Jamaica to the best of my ability .Thank you

Sonia Williams is a critically acclaimed theatre artist, educator, writer, and researcher in African-Caribbean culture. Her directing credits includes: Kamau Brathwaite’s Odale’s Choice, Rawle Gibbon’s Shepherd and Mags Chalcraft-Islam’s Mother Country, devised production for National days of significance and One Woman productions. Sonia has taught at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill, Barbados Community College and the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica. She writes, poetry, prose and plays, her work explores personal, historical and social issues within forms of Standard English and Caribbean nation-languages. She has won many prizes including the: Thomas J. Watson fellowship to Nigeria 1989, U.S.A, Governor General Award for excellence in Drama 1998 Barbados and the third prize the Frank Collymore Literary Endowment 2018 and 2019 with her collections “Her Bald Head Luminous” and “On Livity." Sonia has authored two books: This Too Will Pass and Embodied Knowings. She is dedicated to developing the region through service on the arts.

STACIE-ANN SHAW Jamaican based artist, Stacie-Ann Shaw initially honed her skills in drawing, painting and craft towards her career as a registered architect (RA) in the building construction industry to create utilitarian art. While pursuing architecture, she remained faithful to her original artistic talents which developed to include installations and photography. Her work is mostly inspired by life and culture of the caribbean, folk, intuitive, colorful and contemporary art. Stacie Ann has exhibited her works in Mexico and Jamaica including at the National Gallery of Jamaica. Follow her on Instagram @Artsyyaadie

Superior Craft & More is weaving its way forward showing that visually impaired is not a deterrent to excellence.

I am a publisher, writer, filmmaker, producer, creative consultant and lover of mangoes. Through my publishing company Blue Banyan Books and its imprint Blouse & Skirt Books, the English-speaking Caribbean's fastest growing publishing hut, I am trying to create the changes I want see in the world through words, images and ideas. As a writer I have authored the the children's book Pumpkin Belly and Other Stories, the critically acclaimed play Woman Tongue, the award-winning short Endeavour and been a fellow of the Calabash and Cropper workshops. My career has crisscrossed journalism, cultural policy, teaching, advertising, and publicity, but I would rather spend my time reading, writing, watching great movies and shows and eating mangoes.

Tiana Anglin is a Jamaican artist who recently began translating her painterly techniques to hand built ceramics through her business, Earthenware by Tiana Anglin. A 2018 graduate of the Edna Manley College, Anglin has fostered a career in painting, having displayed work at a number of local exhibitions. She has taken her passion of exploring the natural landscape and heritage of Jamaica through her paintings, and used it to drive the raw and organic quality of her ceramic pieces. In all her work, Tiana’s aim is to explicitly present imperfect subjects in a manner that behaves idealistic upon refinement.

I create unique, contemporary stories that remark on the conditions and actions of man and earth. I illustrate the good and the not so good. I explore creative processes and techniques, nature’s textures, man made and recycled materials. I mix these with art processes such as drawing, painting and fabrics to create new narratives. Recurring themes in my works are the preservation of our natural environment and cultures, love of handcrafted traditions, and sensitivity to contemporary human mindset and events, always questioning my position in it all. In my work, I shed knowledge, light and hope for positive ways forward.