Terms of Reference Carifesta XV (Visual Arts Coordinator)

Visual Arts Coordinator

CARIFESTA XV Festival Overview

CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean Festival of Arts, will take place in Barbados from August 22 to August 31, 2025, under the theme “Caribbean Roots…Global Excellence.” This premier festival will celebrate the vibrancy, creativity, and innovation of Caribbean culture while addressing global challenges such as sustainability, resilience, and peacebuilding. CARIFESTA XV aims to position the Caribbean as a global leader in cultural diplomacy and creative excellence.

Position Summary:

The Visual Arts Coordinator for CARIFESTA XV will be responsible for overseeing all visual arts components of the festival, ensuring seamless execution of exhibitions, installations, and interactive experiences. The coordinator will work closely with curators, artists, production teams, and logistical staff to curate and deliver high-quality visual arts programming that reflects the diversity and excellence of Caribbean artistic expression.

Scope of Work:

1. Develop and manage the overall visual arts program for CARIFESTA XV, ensuring alignment with festival themes and objectives.
2. Coordinate with national delegations and invited artists to confirm participation and exhibition logistics.
3. Liaise with exhibition designers, curators, and technical teams to ensure installation requirements are met.
4. Oversee the setup and execution of art exhibitions, digital galleries, live art demonstrations, and installations.
5. Manage the scheduling of visual arts events, including gallery openings, artist talks, and workshops.
6. Ensure cultural authenticity and excellence in all visual arts showcases.
7. Support artists with logistical needs, including travel, accommodation, and hospitality.
8. Develop contingency plans for unforeseen challenges in exhibitions and installations.
9. Work collaboratively with the artistic and technical teams to enhance audience engagement.
10. Implement and oversee health and safety protocols related to visual arts installations.
11. Manage budgets and expenditures related to visual arts programming and production.
12. Document and report on the outcomes of the visual arts program, identifying areas for improvement.

Listing of Visual Arts-Related Events for CARIFESTA XV:

• Visual Arts Exhibition & Virtual Galleries: Showcasing Caribbean creativity in physical and digital spaces.
• Live Art Demonstrations: Artists creating works on-site, offering interactive experiences.
• Public Art Installations: Large-scale artworks displayed in public spaces.
• Digital & AI-Driven Art Experiences: Integrating technology into artistic expression.
• Artist Talks & Panel Discussions: Conversations with leading Caribbean artists.
• Workshops & Masterclasses: Educational sessions led by established visual artists.
• Community Art Engagement Projects: Collaborative initiatives involving local communities.
• Art Licensing & Creative Business Forum: Exploring commercial opportunities for visual artists.

Candidate Qualifications & Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Visual Arts, Art Curation, Event Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in art curation, exhibition management, or festival coordination.
• Strong knowledge of Caribbean visual arts traditions and contemporary movements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including artists, technical teams, and sponsors.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Familiarity with gallery management, art handling, and exhibition logistics.
• Experience in budget management and contract negotiations.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Knowledge of health and safety protocols for visual arts events.

Duration of Contract:
The contract period for the Visual Arts Coordinator will run from March through September 2025, covering all planning, execution, and post-event reporting phases of the festival.

Key Deliverables & Milestones:

Curated Visual Arts Program (March – April 2025): Finalized list of participating artists, exhibitions, and installations.

Exhibition & Event Schedules (May 2025): Completed scheduling of all visual arts events, installations, and workshops.

Technical & Installation Requirements (May – June 2025): Consolidated list of logistical needs for exhibition setups.

Logistical Coordination (June – July 2025): Confirmation of travel, accommodation, and hospitality arrangements for artists.

Festival Readiness (August 2025): All exhibition and installation requirements set for opening.

Execution & Monitoring (August 2025): Supervision of live exhibitions, artist talks, and interactive sessions.

Post-Festival Report (September 2025): Detailed assessment of the visual arts program’s successes and recommendations for future events.

Application Process:

📅Application Opens: February 10, 2025
📅Application Closes: February 25, 2025

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to Kim Butcher at Kim-butcher@ncf.bb.