Caribbeans Connects: linking Rotterdam with Caribbean talent

ROTTERDAM, 19 August 2024 – Rotterdam creatives and global artists can now connect with Caribbean talent through Caribbeans Connects, a new platform designed to bridge local and international creative communities.

A new digital platform, Caribbeans Connects, has launched with the aim of connecting creatives from the Caribbean with those in the UK, the United States, Europe, and beyond. Rotterdam, known for its vibrant arts scene, now has direct access to Caribbean talent through this platform, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.

A global stage for Caribbean creatives

Caribbeans Connects offers a space for a wide range of creative professionals, including models, content creators, musicians, dancers, photographers, music producers, videographers, and actors, to collaborate and gain recognition. By uniting local Caribbean talent with international markets, the platform seeks to boost the earning potential of these creatives.

Founded in the United Kingdom, Caribbeans Connects is designed to make it easier for those visiting Caribbean islands to discover and hire local talent. The platform serves not only individual artists but also film productions, fashion brands, and other entities looking to tap into the rich pool of Caribbean creativity.

Strengthening ties between Rotterdam and the Caribbean

Rotterdam, with its diverse population and strong ties to the Caribbean community, stands to benefit from the connections facilitated by Caribbeans Connects. The platform already hosts a significant number of UK-based creatives, eager to collaborate with their Caribbean counterparts, offering new possibilities for projects involving Rotterdam's creative professionals.

Registered users on the platform can enjoy various features, including posting and applying for job adverts, both national and international. The platform also allows creatives to communicate via a forum, and musicians can link their Spotify profiles to their Caribbeans Connects profiles.

Jermaine Young-Bushay, the founder of Caribbeans Connects, shared his vision for the platform, stating, “The vision for Caribbeans Connects is to make it easier to discover untapped talent across the Caribbean so that creatives can connect with local and visiting creatives. When you look at the way certain countries have built their own industries like Hollywood, Nollywood and Bollywood, there should be a Caribbean equivalent. I hope that when people hear Caribbeans Connects it reminds them that the Caribbean is also a hub for creativity, not just tourism.”

Addressing challenges in the Caribbean

While the Caribbean is often celebrated for its natural beauty, it is also one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-related natural disasters. These events often lead to significant debt and reluctance from external investors. Caribbeans Connects aims to empower local creatives by building a global network, enabling them to create and find opportunities independently.

Commercial featuring Caribbean talent

Caribbeans Connects has produced a commercial featuring talent from within its network, showcasing individuals both in front of and behind the camera. The commercial, which highlights the platform's mission and the creativity within the Caribbean, can be viewed below:

How to join Caribbeans Connect

Creatives and those seeking to engage with Caribbean talent can visit the website at https://caribbeansconnects.com/talents/ to register and start connecting.