|
August Publisher’s Letter
August Publisher's Note
"The shortest distance between two people is a story."
— Patti Digh
I've always loved that idea because it captures, in many ways, the work we do at East Yard Enterprises.
Every programme, exhibition, workshop, conversation, and partnership begins with someone sharing a story. And every time that story is received, responded to, or retold, something remarkable happens. We begin to understand each other a little better. We begin to build community.
This month feels especially significant because East Yard becomes a place where those exchanges happen in abundance.
On Saturday, 22 August, we're honoured to welcome Bocas Arima to East Yard as part of the Bocas Lit Fest's growing commitment to bringing literature directly into communities across Trinidad and Tobago. For one day, our Creative and Cultural Campus will come alive with readings, workshops, discussions, storytelling, spoken word, music, books, and conversations for readers and writers of every age.
I love what this represents.
Literature belongs in libraries and bookstores, yes. But it also belongs in neighbourhoods, cafés, community spaces, and backyards. It belongs wherever people gather to share ideas.
It feels especially fitting that Bocas Arima will also host the launch of the first edition of my new exhibition, Arima is Love.
For some time now, I've wanted to create a visual archive of the people shaping our Borough through creativity, leadership, and enterprise. Each portrait in the exhibition is paired with a simple reflection: What do you love most about Arima?
That idea of dialogue and exchange extends even beyond our shores.
I'm incredibly grateful to share that East Yard Enterprises has been selected as a recipient of a Caribbean Culture Fund grant to implement the AMPLIFY Connect: Creative Social Enterprise Exchange.
Through this new initiative, we'll welcome spoken word artists and literary practitioners from Barbados and Jamaica for immersive creative residencies here in Arima. While with us, they'll develop new literary works exploring our shared Caribbean experiences while engaging directly with our community. True to the philosophy of AMPLIFY Connect, we'll also support them in transforming those creative works into sustainable creative social enterprise products that can continue generating both income and impact long after the residency ends.
I hope you'll join us this month, whether at Bocas Arima, the Arima is Love exhibition, or as we begin this exciting new chapter with the Caribbean Culture Fund.
I truly believe great community is built one conversation, one collaboration, and one story at a time.
Give thanks,
Kevon Gareth Foderingham
|
|
|
Amplify For Good: Spotlight Feature
Bocas Arima 2026 Comes to East Arima
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Bocas Arima 2026, the second in a series of four one-day community literary and cultural festivals taking place across Trinidad and Tobago, presented by Methanex Trinidad.
On Saturday 22 August 2026, East Yard will become a vibrant hub for storytelling, creativity, and cultural exchange as we welcome the Bocas family alongside readers, writers, artists, and community members from Arima and across East Trinidad.
The festival promises a full day of engaging activities for all ages, including storytelling, spoken word performances, live music, visual art, book readings, thought-provoking discussions, writing workshops, and much more. Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the power of stories, Bocas Arima offers something for everyone.
Building on the success of Bocas Couva in July, and following the legacy of previous festivals in Central, South, and Tobago, Bocas Arima continues the festival's mission of connecting with reading and writing communities across Trinidad and Tobago. By bringing literary experiences directly into communities, the festival creates opportunities for meaningful conversations, artistic discovery, and cultural celebration.
We are proud to welcome this national celebration of literature to East Yard and invite everyone to join us for a day where stories inspire, voices are amplified, and community takes centre stage.
|
|
|
What's happening at East Yard!
WORD IN THE YARD
Roots Foundation TT brings the Word in the Yard. A free open mic, open to everyone of all ages, as part of Cascado: A Spoken Word Poetry Festival.
📅 Friday 14th Aug
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍Amplify Studio Café, East Yard Cultural Centre, Arima
💲 Free
|
|
|
Roots Foundation
Back by popular demand, the 4-Week Beginner Sewing Program returns to Amplify Studio Café this September.
Designed for beginners, this hands-on course teaches participants the fundamentals of sewing, including how to use a sewing machine, take body measurements, draft patterns, cut fabric, and construct wearable garments. All materials are provided, and participants who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Classes run from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with participants selecting either the Tuesday or Wednesday cohort for the four-session program.
Location: Amplify Studio Café, East Yard, Arima
Investment: TT$800
Spaces are limited. To register, email womentt2022@gmail.com or contact Ms. Lucia Cabrera Jones via WhatsApp at (868) 358-0111.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cultural Exchange Corner
The Cultural Exchange Corner highlights offerings from resident embassies and high commissions, diaspora artists and international collaborations. We spotlight the bridges being built across borders. Expect guest essays, funding announcements, curated opportunities for travel, study, and artistic residencies, all designed to foster connection, creativity, commerce and shared social impact.
|
|
Regional Curatorial Fellowship
Applications are now open for the first edition of This is Gender’s Regional Curatorial Fellowship — a new seven-month, paid opportunity for early-career curators and cultural practitioners.
Work from deep inside TiG’s global photography competition and help bring the stories, tensions, and lived realities shaping gender and power across the region into exhibitions, media, advocacy, and the spaces where decisions are made.
As a fellow, you will:
- work alongside leading international judges, curators, artists, and editors
- gain first-hand experience of how major photography platforms operate
- develop your writing, framing, and curatorial voice
- build international networks, visibility, and professional confidence
Remote | Part-time | Stipend up to £3,000
Applications close: 22nd September 2026
|
|
|
France In the Eastern Caribbean Campaign for the Small Grants Programme
The Regional Department of Cooperation and Cultural Action (SCAC) covering the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana, launches the 2026 campaign of the Small Grants Programme!
This programme aims to support innovative projects from civil society (associations, NGOs, cooperatives…). Since 2021, 40 projects have been funded in the 11 countries covered by the SCAC.
Selected projects will be granted up to 85% of the total amount of the project, with a maximum limit of 4,600 euros.
The 2026 call for projects is open to applications until August 16, 2026.
|
|
|
France In the Eastern Caribbean Campaign for the Small Grants Programme
United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program 2026 | Work With UN
Become part of a global community of change makers! The UN Volunteer Program 2026 is now open for applications and recruits volunteers from all around the world.
Financial Coverage Includes:
💰 Allowance
🏠 Accommodation
🍽 Meals
🛂 Visa Cost
🧳 Travel Expenses
🩺 Health Insurance
No matter your background—students, professionals, or fresh graduates—UNV offers opportunities to contribute in development, humanitarian work, and global peace.
|
|
|
|
Subscribe to the podcast
Welcome to SEASON 3 - Episode 1: What does it really mean to turn creativity into a social enterprise?
In this episode, we explore how creativity, storytelling and community impact can come together to build sustainable and meaningful work.
Using Bacano Leaf Creative Enterprise and its Bacano Bookshop, founded by writer, poet and arts educator Deneka Thomas, we unpack how a simple idea rooted in literature, accessibility and community evolved into a model that supports workshops, outreach and storytelling initiatives for young people across Trinidad & Tobago.
This episode explores:
- What is a creative social enterprise?
- Why do creatives need sustainable revenue models?
- How can creativity create community impact?
- The difference between passion projects and sustainable initiatives?
- How Caribbean changemakers are building meaningful work rooted in culture and community
Featuring reflections and insights from Deneka Thomas of Bacano Leaf Creative Enterprise.
AMPLIFY Connect is a series from East Yard Enterprises exploring the combined power of Creativity + Commerce + Community Impact + Cultural Exchange.
If this conversation resonated with you, take a moment to like, subscribe and share with another creative, changemaker or entrepreneur.
Helping build a community of Caribbean creatives, changemakers and social entrepreneurs.
Subscribe now and be part of the conversation! Don’t miss an episode—follow us on YouTube:
August 2026 Issue Editorial Team:
Kevon Gareth Foderingham - Editor-in-Chief
Deneka Thomas - Managing Editor
East Yard, 27 Prince Street, Arima
Trinidad and Tobago
Unsubscribe · Preferences
|
|
|
