CARIFESTA XV Brings Digital Innovation as Technology Meets Arts

As CARIFESTA XV unfolds in Barbados, the festival is not only a celebration of heritage and tradition, but also a gateway to the future. Among its many highlights is a workshop series led by Chris Welch, an artist and educator with more than 15 years of experience incorporating coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and other forms of new media into his practice.

Chris Welch, artist and educator, and leader of the NU Media Workshop at CARIFESTA XV, participates in a session on the fundamentals of copyrighting in the digital age.

The beginner-friendly workshops, which began in July, are designed to help artists explore how digital tools can expand their creative process, prepare them for international markets, and ensure their art remains competitive in an era where technology is reshaping the global arts landscape. 
 

Bridging Art and Technology 

Welch stresses that the art world is rapidly evolving. “New media can now be seen in galleries everywhere. It’s no longer just traditional art…you’ll see work created with AI, coding, 3D, and interactive tools,” he explained. 

For him, the workshop is about planting seeds and giving artists the confidence to embrace new possibilities. “This is beginner level, so we’re just showing them the path. If they really want to run with it, they’ve got to take up the software, put in the time, and apply it to their own practice. You always want to future-proof yourself…because things are changing rapidly with technology, and it’s important to stay competitive.” 
 

International Talent on Show 

The workshops will also feature leading regional and international artists who are pushing the boundaries of digital creativity. Welch pointed to several standout contributors. 

On August 25, Martinique’s David Gumbs will host the workshop in interactive art. On August 26, Rodell Warner, a Trinidad-born artist now based in the United States, will conduct a session via Zoom focusing on 3D and computer-generated art.  

Both workshops will be hosted at being hosted at the CARIFESTA’s youth village at the Barbados Community College. 

Then, on August 27, the spotlight turns to Vince Fraser, a UK-based artist of Jamaican heritage whose Afro-surrealist and Afro-futurist AI works have been exhibited in major New York galleries. 

Participants of the NU Media Workshop at CARIFESTA XV listen attentively during a session on copyright fundamentals, gaining insights into protecting their creative work in the digital age.

Democratizing Access 

While Welch celebrates the accessibility of new media tools, he also cautions that access alone does not guarantee equality. “Most everyone has access to technology now, and that makes it easier to put your ideas out for the world to see. That’s important as Caribbean people, because we need to expose our culture globally,” he said. 

But he was quick to add a hint of caution “A lot of these platforms are heavily monetized, and there are built-in biases. While AI and other tools are accessible, the highest levels of use can be very expensive. So yes, access is there, but we need to push forward together to level the playing field.” 
 

CARIFESTA as a Cultural and Economic Catalyst 

Beyond the digital frontier, Welch views CARIFESTA as a vital platform for regional unity and economic growth. “It’s really important that we come together and push our culture as far as possible. This is the Caribbean speaking with one common voice, making our culture known to the world,” he said. 

The economic benefits, he noted, are just as significant. “Hundreds of people will be coming into Barbados for CARIFESTA, and they’re going to spend money. Whether it’s traditional art or new media, if we do it well, people will come, support the artists, buy the work, and ultimately help the economy.” 
 

Interactive Art for All 

The workshop is not only for artists but also for the wider public. 

Vince Fraser’s seminar being held at Queen’s Park Steel Shed on August 27th and 7pm will give the public the opportunity to experiment with creating their own AI-generated art, offering a hands-on experience with an expert in the international art world. 

Meanwhile, on August 29, the public is also invited to Queen’s Park for a free interactive art projection, around 5 pm, where they can engage with digital art work in real time. 

Welch is confident it will be a memorable moment: “It’s a chance for people to see the artwork come alive and actually interact with it. That’s the beauty of new media it invites participation.” (PR)