Selected from an open call that received applications from over 150 candidates, 15 young photographers from 7 Caribbean countries exhibited their work at the 17th edition of the International Festival of Photography and Visual Arts, PHotoESPAÑA. The festival took place from May 28 to June 5, 2024, in Madrid. The participation of these creators was made possible through the support of the UNESCO programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean, and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, funded by the European Union.
PHotoESPAÑA, known for its strong social focus, annually transforms Madrid into a hub for the global photographic community. The main theme for 2024 was ‘Perpetuum Mobile’, symbolizing the dynamic nature of photography and aiming to highlight actors and issues that are often marginalized or overlooked.
We have designed a comprehensive programme of professional exchange, training and cultural immersion that not only allowed the young participants to engage with the cultural sector on this side of the Atlantic, but also enabled our network of cultural actors (curators, editors, gallery owners, artists, managers) to become familiar with the creativity of a vibrant region such as the Caribbean.
In the face of globalization challenges, Caribbean photographers presented work centered around themes such as migration, cultural identity, traditions, memory, and the connection with nature. These artists had the opportunity to showcase their photographic work and engage with prominent curators, cultural managers, and photographers from Spain and around the world during this significant European festival. The programme included portfolio viewings, tours of Spanish artists' studios and cultural centers, presentations, exhibition openings, and both face-to-face and online training workshops tailored for the Caribbean photographers. These activities equipped them with new tools and professional connections to advance their careers.
Photography serves as a universal language that transcends cultural and geographical barriers. The collaboration between UNESCO and PHotoESPAÑA acted as a creative bridge, allowing the European audience to discover fresh perspectives, stories, and glimpses of reality from the Caribbean.
This initiative resulted from an alliance between the Transcultura programme and La Fábrica, a cultural management company specializing in creativity, design, and the arts. La Fábrica organizes PHotoESPAÑA, and this collaboration aligns with UNESCO's goal of providing professional opportunities to young artists and creators from the Caribbean through cooperation with Europe and access to new markets.
For a long time, people from the Caribbean have had their stories told by others. I believe that an opportunity like this one, offered by Transcultura, where we participate with our photographs from our own countries, gave us the chance to tell our stories through our own lenses.
The young Caribbean photographers participating in PHotoESPAÑA 2024 include Abdon Deromi Tzib from Belize; Betsaida Vanessa Montero Espaillat from the Dominican Republic; Clavia Aaliyah McClain and Gabriel Ashleigh Turnquest-Martin from the Bahamas; Corri Isaiah Luke Latapy and Jamal Olajuwon Shaquille Scott from Trinidad and Tobago; Delton Oshain Barrett and Wane Micheal Anthoney Fearon from Jamaica; Ishan Amaro Ribalta, Joe Abreu Feijo, Jordan Issell Lopez Martinez, Leyci Cardonet Herrera, Maydely Pérez Reguera, and Mónica Molinet Bernal from Cuba; and Stephan Tyrel Marshall from Barbados.
