Terms of Reference Carifesta XV (Literary Arts Coordinator)

Literary 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 Literary Arts Coordinator will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all literary programming at CARIFESTA XV. This role ensures that Caribbean literary talent is showcased, fostering engagement between writers, publishers, and audiences. The Coordinator will collaborate with event producers, stakeholders, and literary professionals to deliver a dynamic and inclusive literary arts experience.

Scope of Work

The Literary Arts Coordinator will:

• Develop and oversee literary arts programming, including readings, panel discussions, and workshops.
• Work with regional and international writers, publishers, and literary organizations to curate diverse content.
• Coordinate the Symposia Series, ensuring robust discussions on literature, culture, and creative expression.
• Manage Book Fairs & Literary Markets featuring Caribbean and international authors.
• Organize spoken word performances, poetry slams, and interactive literary experiences.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity within literary programming.
• Collaborate with media teams to highlight literary events in festival promotions.

Key Literary Arts Events at CARIFESTA XV

• Symposia Series – In-depth discussions on literature, identity, and Caribbean storytelling.
• Book Fair & Literary Market – Showcasing Caribbean authors, booksellers, and publishing houses.
• Spoken Word & Poetry Slams – High-energy performances from emerging and established poets.
• Workshops & Masterclasses – Sessions on writing, publishing, and the business of literature.

Candidate Qualifications and Competencies

The ideal candidate should have:

• A degree or certification in Literature, Creative Writing, Arts Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in literary programming, event management, or publishing.
• Strong knowledge of Caribbean literature and global literary trends.
• Experience in organizing literary events, book fairs, or cultural festivals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously.

Duration of Contract

• March – September 2025

Key Deliverables and Milestones

• March – April 2025: Develop a comprehensive literary arts programming plan.
• May – June 2025: Confirm participation of writers, publishers, and literary organizations.
• July 2025: Conduct promotional activities and finalize event logistics.
• August 2025: Oversee the execution of all literary events.
• September 2025: Submit post-event evaluation and recommendations.

Reporting and Supervision

The Literary Arts Coordinator will report to the CARIFESTA XV Event Management Team and collaborate with festival stakeholders.

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.