A senior member of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has been selected to join an international fellowship focused on cultural policy and the development of creative industries.
Rita Powell, head of education, grants and research at CNCF, has been named to the 2026 Globus Fellowship cohort run by the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) in partnership with the Nordic Culture Fund.
The fellowship brings together cultural researchers and practitioners from around the world to collaborate through a cohort model that includes virtual sessions and international convenings.
As part of the programme, Powell will conduct research into the Cayman Islands’ cultural and creative industries and take part in global knowledge-sharing discussions with peers from other jurisdictions.
Her work will also be presented through IFACCA’s international cultural policy platform.
The foundation said Powell’s participation provides an opportunity to share a Caymanian perspective on cultural policy while strengthening links between the local creative sector and international partners.
In a press release, CNCF director Rosalie Twohey said the fellowship would support the organisation’s ongoing research into the cultural and creative industries.
“I was thrilled when the fellowship was announced and felt it would be the perfect opportunity to further our research into the cultural and creative industries from a Caymanian perspective,” she said.
Twohey added that sharing the research through a global forum would help position the foundation as a contributor to international cultural policy discussions.
The Globus Fellowship programme aims to bring together emerging cultural leaders to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to cultural development.
Cassandra Shea, head of theatre and festivals at the foundation, said the opportunity could also help shape future cultural programming in Cayman.
“It will help inform how our theatre productions and cultural programming can remain globally relevant while staying rooted in Caymanian heritage,” she said.
Powell said she was honoured to join the cohort and looked forward to collaborating with other fellows.
“This opportunity strengthens CNCF’s leadership within the cultural industries and positions us to address some of the cultural challenges facing the Cayman Islands,” she said.
CNCF said insights from the fellowship will support its ongoing work to promote Caymanian creativity, inform cultural policy discussions and expand opportunities for local artists and cultural practitioners.
