The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), established by international music star and humanitarian Rihanna, has contributed an undisclosed sum to the Creative Resilience Fund, marking it as one of the foundation’s key philanthropic collaborators for 2026.
This donation aims to directly assist over 60 artists and creative entrepreneurs through an emergency grant initiative designed to aid Jamaican creatives impacted by Hurricane Melissa, shared a Kingston Creative press release.
As the effects of climate change intensify, hurricanes in the Caribbean are becoming increasingly powerful and destructive. For Jamaica’s creative industry—primarily composed of small-scale enterprises and independent artists—these natural disasters can cause severe economic hardship, continues the release.
It adds that many of these creatives lack insurance, savings, or affordable financing options for recovery. Reportedly, because many operate informally, they often remain unseen by government agencies that typically provide aid, which mainly targets registered businesses. A single storm can wipe out inventory, equipment, studios, and exhibition venues, erasing cultural practices and endangering livelihoods.
The Creative Resilience Fund was launched by Kingston Creative in response to this rising vulnerability.
It offers immediate emergency grants and pathways to restore economic activity for artists whose incomes are disrupted by climate-related calamities. Since its launch, the fund has received support from the Miami Foundation and the Clara Lionel Foundation, reportedly distributing grants to 78 creatives—mostly in the craft sector, one of the most climate-sensitive parts of Jamaica’s cultural economy.
“Strong philanthropic leadership is critical at this moment,” commented Amina Doherty, Head of Programs and Impact at the Clara Lionel Foundation.
She added, “Public disaster response mechanisms rarely account for the specific needs of artists and cultural practitioners, despite artists’ significant contribution to national identity, tourism, employment, and community cohesion. Strategic private giving helps intermediary organisations and nonprofits to close this gap, ensuring that recovery is not left to chance and that cultural ecosystems are not permanently diminished after each storm. Through this partnership, the Clara Lionel Foundation deepens its longstanding commitment to climate resilience, creative industry development, and community empowerment across the Caribbean region. CLF’s support will expand Kingston Creative’s ability to increase grant disbursements, strengthen preparedness initiatives, and build longer-term systems that enable artists to withstand future shocks.”
Richard Hartley, Operations Manager at Kingston Creative, expressed gratitude: “We are grateful for the support. It is also very fitting that resilience for creatives is being funded by a creative. Rihanna is an inspiration to many emerging artists in Jamaica, and it is an honour to be able to partner with her charitable foundation.”
As a member of Kingston Creative’s First 100 Founders, the release explained that CLF joins a select group of donors—including the CB Facey Foundation, VM Group, the Bank of Jamaica, and others—who are investing in the sustainable future of Jamaica’s creative sector and the revitalization of Downtown Kingston. The First 100 tier recognizes organizations that contribute J$1 million or more annually toward transforming Downtown Kingston into a globally competitive cultural hub.
Kingston Creative expressed sincere thanks to the Clara Lionel Foundation for its support for Jamaica’s cultural resilience. The organization urges more philanthropic entities, corporations, and individual donors to contribute to the Creative Resilience Fund and help establish systems that safeguard artists amid escalating climate challenges.
Donations to the Fund can be made via the American Friends of Jamaica or directly through Kingston Creative at www.kingstoncreative.org/donate. Additional details on membership and donation opportunities are available at www.kingstoncreative.org.
So we gotta start using climate resilient paint now