The Caribbean Arts and Crafts Festival is the flagship annual event of the Caribbean Artisan Network (CAN). CAN is a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Caribbean Arts and Crafts (you can find out more at www.caribbeanartisan.net). The network creates and builds links between artisans across the entire Caribbean. In so doing it helps to strengthen the production of traditional and innovative Caribbean Crafts. The network's activities include:

Educational workshops
Marketing initiatives and skill preservation efforts
Increasing the commercial viability of Craft for Caribbean artisans
The primary goal of CAN and the Festival is to maintain Caribbean cultural identity in Arts and Crafts.
WHO BENEFITS

At the previous Festival, over 50 artisans from 15 Caribbean nations participated. More than 1,000 visitors enjoyed the activities and crafts on offer.

Artisans have unique access to the BVI's vibrant market place and the priceless networking opportunities that are created by interaction with other crafts producers. An award ceremony will take place to recognize their achievements.

The BVI Community has the opportunity to enjoy the ancient and innovative craft practices from the region's premier artisans. Traditional music and dance coupled with great Caribbean food make this festival an educational, exciting and fun family day out.

BVI Schools are offered free space for students to display Arts and Crafts in the ‘Youth Artisan’ tent (contact us for info!).

Shop and Boutique Buyers have unique access the best of the Caribbean’s craft products and enjoy the opportunity to discuss trading arrangements directly with the visiting artisans.

The BVI Tourism Industry benefits hugely from the far reaching press exposure about the Festival and the BVI: each year many articles appear in international travel publications, in-flight magazines, newspapers and on the web.