UNESCO Transcultura: The Bridge That Carried Caribbean Creatives to the World

By Akley Olton – Filmmaker, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

This week, the heart of the Caribbean resonated powerfully in Brussels.

UNESCO and the EU marked five years of Transcultura—a €15 million initiative linking Europe and 17 Caribbean nations. This event transcended mere speeches and aesthetics; it demonstrated that our stories are vital, and with the right tools, we can narrate them on our terms.

“Transcultura empowered us to tell our stories and reclaim our cultural identity.”— I declared on stage in Brussels, representing all who have persevered on this challenging journey.

I sat alongside influential figures like Ronelli Requena from Belize, whose fashion brand is now making waves internationally:

“Transcultura equipped me with the skills to elevate my brand beyond my country.”

And Kamille Hope from the Embassy of Barbados emphasized:

“It’s about entrepreneurship, heritage, and youth—the lifelines of our future.”

This wasn’t merely a celebration—it was a moment of cultural truth-telling. With photo exhibits, live music, dynamic conversations, and genuine connections from Haiti, Cuba, Trinidad, Guyana, and back to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

🎬 My Journey: From SVG to Global Screens

When I joined Transcultura in 2021, I was driven but lacked access. Then came the opportunities that transformed everything:

• 2021 – Production Workshop at Cuba’s EICTV: where I honed my storytelling craft with purpose.

• 2021 – FondosCultura Workshop: where I learned to discuss money, sustainability, and the value of art in a region where culture often struggles for recognition.

• 2022 & 2025 – Creative Tourism Workshops: where I realized how culture, sustainability, and climate action are interconnected.

• Twice, I was invited to Brussels—to speak, represent, and advocate for our region in global dialogues.

  
  

Since then, my work has reached film festivals and universities across North America, the UK, and Europe. I received the Prince Claus Seed Award, and my film Madulu, The Seaman now streams on the Criterion Channel, among legends like Kurosawa and Sembène.

But the true treasure? The community.

Individuals like:

• Marie Francia Sterlin, Haitian singer, educator, and artist, sharing my passion for music and culture..

• David (Brandon) Webber from Trinidad, Making Classical Music inclusive and accessible

• Jasper YMC from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, known for blending classic Hip Hop elements with modern sounds, creating a unique and energetic style.

What Transcultura Is Actually Building

1. Skills That Transform Lives

• Over 2,300 creatives trained (with 60% being women).

• 132 full scholarships to study in Havana.

• Courses covering filmmaking, craft, tourism, and climate-smart entrepreneurship.

  
  

2. Mentorship & Market Access

• Business Angels programme paired us with mentors for branding, IP, and strategy.

• An Entrepreneurship Incubator led by Caribbean Export trained 34 craft-makers from 14 nations.

  
  

3. Women Leading Climate Action

• Female-led enterprises focused on sustainable tourism.

• Workshops at Cuba’s Isla Verde Festival demonstrating that the climate fight is also a cultural one.

  
  

4. Global Recognition

• UN SIDS Award (2024) for empowering small island youth through culture.

• Over 175 cultural ventures launched or supported across the Caribbean.

  
  

Still So Far to Go...

Transcultura provided a bridge. But the path ahead remains challenging. Here's what we need:

• Policy changes: Governments must recognize culture as an industry deserving substantial investment.

• Regional distribution: Let’s establish our own platforms for global reach.

• Climate accountability: Major polluters must act—rising seas threaten more than coastlines; they endanger our stories.

• Tech + training: Access to world-class storytelling tools is essential.

• Long-term support: We need real infrastructure, not just photo-ops and token grants.

  
  

My Final Word

Transcultura has demonstrated that Caribbean creativity is a global force. As the climate crisis intensifies and funding wanes, we cannot wait.

To my fellow creators—from Belize to Barbados, Haiti to St. Vincent and the Grenadines—keep building. Let’s create our own platforms rather than waiting for an invitation.

And to UNESCO, the EU, and every ally who supported us: thank you for the bridge.

Now let’s expand it—so every young Caribbean voice can cross.

🎥 Madulu, The Seaman is now streaming on Criterion Channel.

🔗 Learn more: [https://www.criterionchannel.com/videos/madulu-the-seaman]

#Transcultura #CaribbeanCreatives #CulturalJustice #AkleyOlton #UNESCO #EU #MaduluTheSeaman @unesco @europeancommission @caribbean.un @unescohabana @unesco_eu @eu_partnerships

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