Caribbean Young Women Excel at CARIFESTA XV Youth Village 2025

Island Girls Rock, a Caribbean-based organization fostering creative expression and leadership in young women, proudly announces the selection of two of its members, Vanel Bailey and Sasha Herbert, to participate in the CARIFESTA XV Youth Village in Barbados. This prestigious cultural event, scheduled for August 22-31, 2025, will provide an invaluable platform for these budding artists to showcase their talents and connect with fellow creatives from across the region. Their participation is made possible through the Caribbean Development Bank’s Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF), with specific acknowledgement and gratitude towards Malene A. Joseph, the Fund Coordinator, for her instrumental support and advocacy in securing this opportunity for the young artists.

Vanel Bailey, hailing from Nevis, is a participant in the Bloom Where You’re Planted art cohort, a program presumably offered by Island Girls Rock. Her artistic practice is characterized by an architectural approach, intertwining design principles with cultural memory and community-focused intentions. This unique perspective allows her to create works that resonate with both aesthetic appeal and social significance. Sasha Herbert, from St. Kitts, serves as a peer mentor within the Bloom program, demonstrating leadership and guidance to her fellow aspiring artists. Her artistic expression is marked by bold visual storytelling and adept use of digital artistry, capturing narratives and emotions with vibrant imagery. Both artists demonstrate a commitment to exploring various mediums, encompassing fine art, illustration, digital media, and conceptual explorations of form and space.

Their selection for CARIFESTA XV underscores the effectiveness of Island Girls Rock’s mission to cultivate creative leadership in young Caribbean women. The organization provides a nurturing environment where these artists can develop their artistic voices, explore diverse creative avenues, and build the confidence to share their work on a larger platform. The upcoming festival will serve as a crucial stepping stone in their artistic journeys, exposing them to a wider audience, facilitating networking opportunities with established artists and industry professionals, and inspiring them through exposure to a rich tapestry of Caribbean artistic expression.

The Caribbean Development Bank’s CIIF plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the cultural and creative industries within the region. By supporting initiatives like CARIFESTA XV and organizations such as Island Girls Rock, the CIIF invests in the next generation of Caribbean artists and cultural leaders. This support is essential for building a vibrant and sustainable creative economy, recognizing the significant contribution of arts and culture to social development, economic diversification, and regional identity. Malene A. Joseph’s dedication to championing young artists further emphasizes the CIIF’s commitment to empowering emerging talent and providing them with valuable opportunities for growth.

The anticipation surrounding Vanel and Sasha’s participation in CARIFESTA XV extends beyond the Island Girls Rock community. Their representation at this regional gathering symbolizes the burgeoning talent and creative potential within the Caribbean youth. This exposure will not only enhance their artistic development but also serve as an inspiration to other aspiring artists, demonstrating the possibilities that can be achieved through dedication, passion, and the support of organizations like Island Girls Rock and initiatives like the CIIF. Their experiences in Barbados will undoubtedly enrich their artistic perspectives and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean artistic expression.

Ultimately, Vanel and Sasha’s selection is a testament to their individual talent, the nurturing environment fostered by Island Girls Rock, and the vision of the Caribbean Development Bank’s CIIF. Their journey to CARIFESTA XV represents a hopeful future for the Caribbean creative landscape, where young artists are empowered to explore their full potential, contribute to cultural dialogue, and shape the future of artistic expression in the region. They embody the fearless, thoughtful, and culturally rooted spirit that Island Girls Rock aims to cultivate, and their participation in the festival is a celebration of Caribbean girlhood, artistic excellence, and the transformative power of cultural exchange.