After months of intensive negotiation and collaboration, The Bocas Lit Fest (BLF), the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), and the Ken Gordon School of Communication, Creative and Digital Media have officially formalized a ground-breaking partnership.
This MOU falls within the Bocas Lit Fest’s mission of helping to promote new voices. As a multi-faceted arts organisation, BLF is able to provide a platform for COSTAATT students to apply what they learn at our various festivals, workshops, etc.
Speaking on behalf of the Bocas Lit Fest, CEO Jean-Claude Cournand expressed sincere appreciation for the leadership invested in collaboration. “It is much easier and more fruitful when leadership is invested because we can get much more done,” he remarked, emphasizing the value of partnership in advancing common goals.
Dr. Keith Nurse, President of COSTAATT, highlighted the significance of creative writing in sculpting the global economic landscape, asserting, “Creative writing serves as the bedrock of innovation across established and burgeoning industries alike.” Dr. Nurse illuminated the partnership’s capacity to amplify the stature of creative writing as a fundamental driver of economic expansion, mentioning COSTAATT’s advanced technological capabilities and rigorous accreditation processes.
Clarinda Jack, Dean of the Ken Gordon School, lauded the fruitful courtship between the Bocas Lit Fest and COSTAATT, noting the seamless collaboration that has already borne fruit in student involvement in Bocas Lit Fest events and the facilitation of non-fiction writing workshops. She expressed excitement about future opportunities for students to engage in fiction writing aspects of the Festival, underscoring the school’s commitment to hands-on experience and innovation in creative education.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding formalizes a dynamic partnership between both entities, marking the beginning of a journey towards enhanced collaboration in education, creativity, and community engagement. Through joint initiatives, workshops, and events, BLF, COSTAATT, and the Ken Gordon School aim to empower aspiring writers, media professionals, and students, contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.
“This partnership represents a fusion of academia and industry, innovation and tradition, and above all, a shared commitment to excellence,” remarked Dr. Keith Nurse.
As the collaboration unfolds, the collective vision is to inspire, educate, and nurture the next generation of writers and media practitioners, fostering a legacy of creativity and storytelling that resonates far beyond the shores of Trinidad and Tobago.