Between January 5 and 13, 2026, Dominica will host an innovative artistic residency aimed at reshaping Caribbean narratives.
The event is organized as part of An Ba Lanmè, described as “an artistic and cultural cooperation project bringing together Martinique, Dominica, and Saint Lucia. Its goal is to revive the historical and cultural ties connecting the Caribbean islands, based on the idea that the sea connects more than it separates.”
Reportedly, this gathering will unite seven creatives from Dominica, Martinique, and St Lucia in a collaborative environment dedicated to exploring and rewriting stories that define the Caribbean identity, shared a press release from the group.
Participating artists are: Michael Roch, Caribbean Afro-futurism writer, Martinique, Ethan James, performer and theatre person, St Lucia, Serena Williams, circus artist, Dominica, Irina Khade Elwin, circus artist, Dominica, Russel Raymond, circus artist, Dominica, Kharlen Jervier, photographer and videographer, Dominica.
Titled L’Orizon, this event signifies the culmination of the initial phase of the An Ba Lanmè residencies, emphasizing collective reflection on how Caribbean stories are told.
The residency takes place in the village of Cochrane, and organizers say it provides a space for artists from various disciplines to come together, exchange ideas, and contemplate the ways in which Caribbean histories and stories are constructed and shared.
Over the course of nine days, participants will delve into questions about perspective—whose voice is heard, what heritages are emphasized, and which realities are foregrounded. Rooted in the complex legacies of colonialism, migration, and shared regional experiences, the residency aims to challenge existing narratives and inspire the development of new stories that resonate with contemporary Caribbean life, memories, and visions.
This program aims to emphasize the importance of movement alongside traditional visual and literary arts. Reflecting the Caribbean’s rich tradition of storytelling through the body, sound, and image, the initiative includes circus arts and performative practices.
Organizers observe that language, gestures, and theatricality serve as vital tools for expression, making performance arts natural avenues for exploring and disseminating new narratives beyond linguistic barriers. The release added that residency recognizes that storytelling in the Caribbean is often embodied and performative, and it seeks to harness this aspect to foster innovative ways of cultural expression.
Beyond artistic exploration, An Ba Lanmè underscores the power of narratives as catalysts for economic development.
The group asserts that the way territories are perceived influences their economic prospects, and dominant tourism images are increasingly being challenged by the realities of climate change—such as seaweed invasions, more frequent natural disasters, and coastal erosion.
Along these lines, the shared environmental challenges highlight the collective destiny of Caribbean nations and their need for resilient, diversified economic models. The project advocates for reimagining narratives to support sustainable development, emphasizing that the stories future generations carry will shape the region’s resilience and growth.
“The L’Orizon residency reinforces An Ba Lanmè’s mission, which is to create a shared space of expression for Caribbean artists and to structure a sustainable cultural ecosystem. The creation of new narratives is first and foremost rooted in our ability to meet and connect. It emerges from the intersection of disciplines, perspectives, and talents from across the Caribbean. This diversity is essential to nourish, sustain, and ensure the longevity of a shared creative ecosystem, which represents a true lever for the development of our territories,” explains Nicolas Derné Artistic Director of Zofi Association.
Throughout the residency, participants will engage with critical themes related to Caribbean identity and future, namely, the Urgency of New Narratives, Decolonizing the Imaginary, Embodying Narratives, Transmitting Otherwise, and Youth.
A series of workshops and cultural events will complement the collaborative work, including a movement workshop led by N’jelle Thorne at Earthstrong Studio, an exhibition by the Waitukubili Artist Association, and a conference discussing the role of cultural and creative industries in Dominica’s educational and economic landscapes. An evening gathering at Prevo Cinemall in Roseau will offer networking opportunities for artists from all participating islands.
Specific activities include engaging local youth—such as a January 7 workshop with students from Goodwill Secondary School focused on imagining a new Caribbean future—and a theatrical improvisation session led by Sonia in Cochrane on January 9.
These initiatives aim to foster dialogue and inspire fresh perspectives among emerging generations, reinforcing the residency’s core mission of cultivating resilient, inclusive, and innovative Caribbean narratives that reflect both the region’s rich heritage and its evolving realities.
“Involving younger generations in our reflections and research is essential, as they will carry and transmit the memory of the Caribbean’s intangible heritage. An intergenerational approach lies at the heart of this project, ensuring these narratives endure and are fully embraced by future generations,” notes Indira Toussaint, co-founder of St Lucian duo, Twossaints.
Schedule
January 7
2PM : Workshop on movement by N’jelle Thorne.(Earthstrong Studio, Copthall)
6PM : Exhibition by the Waitukubili Artist Association (WAA)
7PM : Conference on the role of cultural and creative industries in education and the
economy in Dominica
8:30PM : Artistic gathering and networking session between artists from Dominica,
Martinique, and Saint Lucia (Prevo Cinemall, Roseau)
January 9
Creative workshop with students from Goodwill Secondary School in the Roseau area,
focused on the theme: “How can young people imagine a new future for the Caribbean ?”
January 11
Theatrical and artistic improvisation workshop with Sonia (Cochrane)
I seriously hope that the government is not funding this nonsense with taxpayers and our passport money. There’s so much better use of time and money than all this useless pseudophilosophical artistic claptrap that produces nothing but braindead activists. How about an agricultural program that encourages and teaches youth about the benenfits of farming or a youth skills program that exposes young people to different skilled trades
I should think that in today’s world, the skills of self expression and thinking are more important than ever in forging a path for the future. In understanding each other we build stonger communities that our failed systems have a harder time breaking apart. The arts provide a firm connection to our past and the narratives we shape will come to define our identity as a caribbean people. I find it hard to understand how that’s a waste. Furthemore, I don’t see any reason why such an initiative would get in the way of someone – even you – implementing any of the agricultural programs you’ve suggested. That would be like saying that calypsonians should stop singing and go plant dasheen instead. Surely there’s room for both in our culture. Do think about it. peace