Toni Thorne selected as Youth Representative for CARIFESTA

Toni Thorne selected as Youth Representative for CARIFESTA

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) is proud to announce that a Barbadian has been chosen from among several other young people in the region by the CARICOM Secretariat to sit on the Interim Festival Directorate (IFD) for the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) as the representative of young Caribbean artists. Barbadian cultural entrepreneur, performing artist and festival arts creator, Toni Thorne has been elected by the regional body to represent the voice of young artistes and artisans when the Festival is staged in 2015 and 2017.

The IFD is the regional advisory body to CARIFESTA with overall responsibility for planning, coordinating and managing the programming and logistical arrangements of the Festival in collaboration with the Host Country. Barbados’ representative on this body is the National Cultural Foundation, which was charged with the task of nominating a candidate.

At only age 27, this daughter of the soil has already achieved an impressive collection of accomplishments such that today she is recognized as one of key players in the cultural and creative industries. She is a Barbados National Youth Awardee with degrees in Economics and Accounting and Law; an avid debater, who has participated in international competitions; as well as the first person of African or Caribbean descent to sit on the Global Youth Leader’s Summit in Prague, Budapest and Vienna and as a Global Shaper.

Toni has travelled to represent Barbados in various aspects of culture – from fashion to dance. She is also the creative director for Island Fusion Foreday Morning Band; publisher of Pompasette Magazine (www.pompasette.com) and managing director of Settlers West Coast Experience, a night time carnival street parade on the upscale, hip strip for tourists. Upon learning the news of her selection, an overjoyed Thorne said:
“I am humbled at the opportunity and would like to thank the National Cultural Foundation for selecting me for the initial nomination. It is my aim to represent all Caribbean youth and creative entrepreneurs well as act with integrity throughout my tenure…. It is important for us Caribbean nationals to actively work on the evolution of our culture and, whilst incorporating global trends, remain as authentic as possible and stay true to who we are.”

Toni is also no stranger to the creative and performing arts. She has been participating in NIFCA since the age of three in the disciplines of dance and visual arts as a pupil of the Erdiston Primary School and Harrison’s College as well as with the popular local dance troupe Dancin’ Africa, of which she is a co-founder.

Asked how she thought her experiences in the arts helped to shape her as a trailblazer in the cultural industries, she replied: “Performing has definitely contributed to my self-confidence, leadership skills and taught me the importance of being a well-rounded individual. There is a saying, “Excellence in one area, bleeds over into other areas of endeavour in your life.” Toni’s appointment runs from 1, November 2014 to 31 October 2018.(pr)