CCF invites individuals, organizations, and institutions to submit their cultural and creative projects. Selection will be based on respect for CCF’s values, alignment with the themes of each call, the quality and feasibility of proposals, and the proven abilities of project leaders. We invite applicants to write their projects simply and clearly, paying particular attention to the relationship between objectives and budget, and to consider implementation constraints.
For more information on the Caribbean Culture Fund and each call, visit our website: caribbeanculturefund.org
Call 4.1: Art for Change – Deadline March 1, 2026
CCF will award 10 grants of USD 10,000 for projects that demonstrate the use of arts and culture to catalyze change.
The Art for Change theme invites creatives and cultural organizations to explore the transformative power of art in shaping the Caribbean. We seek projects that give voice to the region’s aspirations, challenges, and triumphs, and that address the changes artists wish to see in their communities, nations, and the broader Caribbean. This theme encourages artists to imagine, critique, and reimagine the Caribbean, using their work as a catalyst for social commentary, engagement, education, reflection, positive change, and new developments. We welcome proposals that showcase innovative and impactful art practices, from visual arts to performance, literature, and beyond, that contribute to a vibrant and inclusive Caribbean narrative.
Call 4.2: Caribbean Collaboration – Deadline March 1, 2026
CCF will award 4 grants of USD 25,000 for projects that reflect or catalyze intra-regional cooperation and promote the arts across linguistic and geographic boundaries within the Caribbean and its diasporas.
This theme invites projects that reflect connections within the Caribbean community. Applicants must work with a collaborator based in another Caribbean country or territory, and this partner or partners must be meaningfully included in the design and implementation of the project. The project must be multi-country or multi-territory in scope and execution; for example, bringing the work of creatives from different countries to one or more countries. Projects that reflect connections to the larger African diaspora and the legacy of African and Indigenous cultures in the Caribbean will also be considered.
Call 5: Residencies and Fellowships – Deadline March 15, 2026
CCF will award 10 grants of USD 5,000 to support short-term, intra-Caribbean residencies and fellowships.
CCF invites cultural institutions and organizations with residential capacity to submit proposals for artist residencies and fellowships. The CCF grant must cover all costs, including visa, travel, accommodation, meals, and interpretation, for up to a maximum of two artists from any Caribbean country or territory other than that of the applicant. The residencies should foster creative exchange, collaboration, and innovation across diverse artistic disciplines and cultural contexts.
Through this call, CCF seeks to create meaningful opportunities for artistic growth, facilitate connections among artists, institutions, and communities, and strengthen the cultural and social ecosystem of the Caribbean region. Priority will be given to organizations that have hosted residencies in the past three years and that have preselected the artist(s) at the time of application. The residencies and fellowships may be open to practitioners from any artistic discipline. Selected artists must be willing to participate in at least one public activity during the residency period and at least one virtual event hosted by CCF.
Upcoming Sessions:
Call 4: Grant Writing with Marielle Barrow – February 23, 10:00–11:30 AM (EST)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1jK4LlWWTUuD8O14ngmKEg
Call 4: Q&A Session – February 26, 10:00–11:00 AM (EST)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nJdV-uj2TtCfmZEccGbJOg
Call 4: Submittable Support – February 27, 10:00–11:00 AM (EST)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WNbiwcFMR5-xGumQxyD72A
Call 5: Orientation – February 24, 10:00–11:00 AM (EST)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IUf438ivSkyAe8KqG4ooIA
Call 5: Q&A Session – March 3, 10:00–11:00 AM (EST)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xtkiQRJvS8CieXburPsV9w
Call 5: Residencies Call Submittable Support – March 10, 10:00–11:00 AM (EST)
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YefznCELQ6C_583sR2pWhg

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) hereby informs the public that Minister Brug has joined forces with local artist King Vers to launch a new awareness initiative focused on men’s mental health on Sint Maarten.
Mental health has been, and continues to be, a priority of Minister Brug and the Ministry of VSA. Since taking office, the Minister has consistently emphasized the importance of breaking stigma, expanding awareness, and encouraging open conversations surrounding mental well-being. This collaboration forms part of the Ministry’s broader and ongoing mental health strategy, with additional initiatives to be announced in the near future.

The campaign with King Vers specifically highlights the unique pressures men face in society. It addresses the expectations often placed on men to always appear strong, to suppress emotion, and to avoid speaking openly about personal struggles. By confronting the longstanding taboo surrounding men’s mental health, the initiative aims to create safe spaces for dialogue, understanding, and support.

Minister Brug stated that acknowledging mental health challenges does not diminish strength, but rather reflects courage and responsibility. Through this partnership, the Ministry hopes to encourage men across Sint Maarten to speak up, seek support when needed, and support one another.
Further details regarding upcoming activities and community engagements under this campaign will be shared shortly.
The Ministry of VSA remains committed to promoting mental wellness for all segments of society and will continue working with community partners to advance this important cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tax Administration reminds the public that the deadline to complete payments and collect the 2026 Motor Vehicle Stickers is fast approaching.

All distribution phases have now been enacted, and motorists across all vehicle categories may continue to complete payments and collect their stickers at the Receiver's Office on Pond Island. The office operates from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM throughout February, with cash payments accepted until 3:00 PM daily.

Payments may also be made online via https://services.sintmaartengov.org/ or via bank transfer to the following accounts: WIB USD 324800-05 / XCG 324800-03; RBC USD 8200000403930461 / XCG 8200000005425048.

Motorists using bank transfer should ensure they include their name and vehicle plate number in the description. Receipts and stickers can be collected at the Receivers Office within three to five working days, provided all required documents are presented.

The Tax Administration urges all motorists who have not yet paid or collected their 2026 Motor Vehicle Sticker to do so before the deadline of Friday, February 27.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation is pleased to announce the winner of its 2026 Poster Competition, held under the theme “Innovate for Wellbeing.” The poster competition forms part of Science Week 2026, which will take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026, and will conclude with an award ceremony on March 21, 2026.

This year’s competition invited students to explore how science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) can be leveraged to enhance physical, mental, social, and environmental well-being in their communities.

The winning poster was created by Fang Yu Cai, a grade 8 student from Learning Unlimited. The poster was recognized for its excellent concept, strong symbolism, and its strong alignment with the competition theme.

The design features an infinity symbol encircling the Earth, representing continuous innovation and the belief that improvement is always possible. DNA strands woven into the symbol, along with robotic and mechanical elements, highlight the role of science and technology in human progress. Silhouettes of people joined above the globe emphasize collaboration and community engagement, underscoring that well-being extends beyond physical health to include mental wellness, while promoting growth and transformation for St. Maarten.

Fang Yu, also known as Yuyu, said about her winning artwork: “As part of our Digital Art class assignment, we were given the opportunity to take part, and I decided to participate in creating a design. While working on it, I started thinking about innovation and well-being, and I connected those ideas to the brain and the world. I used my imagination to show how our thoughts and creativity can make a difference. When I found out I won, I was really surprised. It made me proud, but it also made me feel like I can push myself to do even better next time.”

The submissions were evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of Kadyjah Lake of Artisticfolio, Loic Bryan of Artistic Drive, and Fiel Efenio of Driven Media, who assessed the posters based on creativity, relevance to the theme, and overall impact.

Science Week 2026

The Poster Competition is one of several activities planned for Science Week 2026, which aims to inspire curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking among students and the wider community. Planned activities include:

• An Opening ceremony with a spotlight interview and panel discussion centered on the theme Innovate for Wellbeing
• Hands-on field trips to STEAM-related locations
• The annual Science Fair, showcasing student research projects and demonstrations from regional partners
• An award ceremony recognizing the achievements of participating students

The Sint Maarten Science Fair Foundation congratulates Fang Yu Cai, as well as all participating students, teachers, and schools, for their enthusiasm and commitment to science and innovation. The Foundation also extends its appreciation to its judges, partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support.

The winning poster will be integrated as part of the official branding for 2026 Science Week.