Caribbean In Transit & Building Creative Ecosystems W/ Marielle Barrow Maignan

The latest episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, features Dr. Marielle Barrow Maignan  a Fulbright scholar, social entrepreneur, arts management consultant, visual artist and CEO of Caribbean InTransit, a arts education and ecosystem non-profit. She is also the Co-Founder of Synapse Zone a web platform launchpad for creatives, in collaboration with CaribeArt. 

In this exciting conversation we chat about her journey, studies, career, arts and the work of Caribbean In Transit and Synapse Zone. Her agenda being to build the cultural and creative industry in the region. 

She spoke about her first love which is painting, and her aim to create the infrastructure within the industry, which is more structured and meaningful, so that persons can have a career in the Arts. 

We spoke about "finding your art" or whatever is that creative passion deep in your soul, that may haunt you if not outwardly expressed. For this to happen, she said that its important to create the space to feed that passion, and be deliberate in doing so.  

Marielle, talked about Caribbean In Transit which started in 2010, as a arts academic journal. It evolved over the years to publications in various countries. Then through partnerships and collaboration, Caribbean In Transit hosts arts festivals and exhibitions across the region and Americas. 

Caribbean In Transit is a regional tool focused on learning and social channels to foster integration. She also spoke about The Meeting Place Community a web and mobile application, a creative ecosystem that facilitates upskilling, monetization and networking for creatives.

Marielle spoke about Synapse Zone, which is more than a platform, it is a launchpad for creative ambitions, giving persons access to the resources, networks, and funding opportunities needed to scale their vision.

We spoke about the "struggling artist" reality. Marielle says it is important for Creatives  to be intentional about preparing their roadmap for success. To get  help where needed, build partnerships and be apart of Communities which can help them grow faster. The posture is being a life learner and to engage in continuous learning to upskill and increase overall knowledge. 

We discuss some of the funding that exists in the Caribbean for Creatives; like the Caribbean Creative Fund, UNESCO, CIIF and CARIBEquity.  There are also opportunities within your home country where Government Ministries and even State Enterprises offer Grants and Sponsorships as well. 

We talk about mapping pathways to success and what that can look like in designing your life to for success. Marielle offers advice to Creatives who want to to turn their passion into a career and business. Which starts with looking at what you are good at, following your passions and engaging in deliberate actions to explore, develop and build your business and brand. 

We wrap the conversation with Marielle reflecting on the meandering flows of her life, pathways to progress, building her companies and wins along the way.

Listen to this inspiring story of an academic, creative and curator of life, as she explores her passions and purposefully builds the Caribbean Creative Arts Community and ecosystem.