15th Annual CaFA Fair in Barbados to Feature Multi-Award-Winning Designer Christopher Cumberbatch

Over 40 contemporary Caribbean and Diaspora artists will showcase their work at the 15th Annual Caribbean Fine Art (CaFA) Fair, taking place at the newly refurbished Pelican House in Barbados from March 5 to 9.

Anderson M. Pilgrim, Barbadian-born president of Diaspora Now Inc. and executive director of the CaFA Fair, shared with Caribbean Life that multi-award-winning scenic designer and visual artist Christopher Cumberbatch will be among the featured creators. Pilgrim, also the founder of CaFA, the Caribbean's only fine art fair held within the region, explained that Cumberbatch will discuss his impressive career designing sets for stage and screen on Saturday, March 8, as part of the fair's programming that includes art, fashion, film, and performance.

Actor and director Tyson Hall, known for his roles in Empire Boulevard, Raising Kanan, and Godfather of Harlem, will also participate. Hall will discuss his career and filmography at UWI EBCCI on Thursday night, March 7, at 7 p.m. His visual art will be on display at Pelican House, adjacent to the historic Pelican Village Craft Center in Bridgetown.

Both Cumberbatch and Hall were born in the Barbadian Diaspora in the United States, and although they work on opposite sides of the camera, they have collaborated with some of the biggest names in the film and TV industry.

 Art lovers from around the world can either attend CaFA Fair 2025 in person at Pelican House or visit www.caribbean.global to view the exhibition online.

“We’re thrilled to present a diverse range of styles and media from both emerging and established artists representing 14 Caribbean nations, Ghana, Senegal, and the USA,” Pilgrim said. “We’re honored to feature such a wide array of local, regional, and Diaspora talent this year.”

Daniel Hort, Executive Director of Onomatopoeia Art and co-producer of the event, added, “With the international growth and interest in Caribbean fine art, the opportunity to present a broader vision of the region's cultural creativity has also expanded. Our presentation of Cosmoda Runway, introduced last year as a major element of our Fashion Showcase, will open new opportunities for collaborations with major pageant and fashion outlets to showcase the vibrant colors, style, and artistry of carnival.”

This year’s fine art show will highlight a strong representation of photography and photo-based art from Caribbean and Diaspora artists. On Sunday, March 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., a panel of experts will explore the topic of “Contemporary Photography: Mixed Media and Photo-based Art.”

Other notable Caribbean artists participating in CaFA 2025 include: Ademola Olugebefola and Afreekan Southwell (US Virgin Islands), Shadrach Burton (Dominica), Diogenes Ballester and Rachel Smith Sepulveda (Puerto Rico), Moses Ros (Dominican Republic), Patricia Brintle and Charles Jean-Pierre (Haiti), Bernard S. Hoyes, Melroy Art, and Heda Rose (Jamaica), Jemma St. Lawrence (Trinidad & Tobago), Trevor Todd (Bermuda), and Cher Antoinette Corbin, Chris Cumberbatch, Ras Ilix Heartman, Kerry Horton-Wiltshire, Steve Reid, Ann Rudder, Malique Shorey, and Zoanne Evans (Barbados). Tau Battice (St. Kitts/Nevis) and Maxanne Rock (St. Vincent & The Grenadines) will also exhibit their work in person.

Diaspora Dialogue XII will showcase African American artists including Khuumba Ama, Philip “Muzi” Branch, S. Ross Browne, Lisa Dubois, Colette Fournier, Valstyle Kirk, Cecil Lee, and June Truesdale. ZENC artists Alberto Opoku and Daniel Quarico (Ghana) and Manian (Senegal) will represent Africa.

Fashion Friday will feature African American designer The Doc Bongo, presenting his contemporary creations using traditional African fabrics. The Caribbean Fashion Showcase and COSMODA Cosplayers will also be part of the event. On Saturday, March 8, from 1-3 p.m., there will be an interactive workshop with painter S. Ross Browne, followed by a session called “Meet Christopher Cumberbatch: Master of Scenic Design” at 4 p.m.

Pilgrim expressed his gratitude to Export Barbados for the opportunity to exhibit at Pelican House, with support from the Barbados Division of Culture and the National Cultural Foundation. Additional sponsors include Anime Spot, Come See TV, DHP, Occhi Art & Entertainment, and Padmore Global Enterprises.