Dr. Dacelin St. Martin is spearheading a grassroots initiative called “Islands in Motion.”
The initiative gives Caribbean artists access to digital tools, websites, organizational processes and the opportunity to do business with the other islands, the United States – and soon Canada and Europe. St. Martin, who was born and raised in the Caribbean, attributes the stifled economic development there to a lack of resources and geographic isolation.
“The Caribbean people need a voice that can unite the Islands into an economic power by spreading opportunities to its citizens and leveling the playing field,” said the triple-board certified physician and CEO of PedIM Healthcare and Quick Care Med. “Our people are friendly, hard-working and welcome strangers to their doors. They can offer much more than a great vacation,” said St. Martin.
“Islands Arts,” a subsidiary of “Islands in Motion,” is the first organization to provide a no-cost option to local artists to showcase and sell their artwork in U.S. markets. This support of Caribbean artists helps strengthen community ties and fortify local economies.
Local artist Cesar Germosén knows the organization can change his life.
“You want to grow our names and something like this doesn’t happen often,” said Germosén, who recently showed his work at the Ocala Art Walk. “Our art is isolated from the rest of the world and when something like this happens, like ‘Islands Arts,’ it helps us a lot. You can’t even picture it. It’s revolutionary.”
The Caribbean is rich in culture and diversity, making it a hotbed for creative activity. Until now, artwork from the region typically has remained relatively obscure in American homes, galleries and collections, but that is no longer the case.
Through “Islands Arts,” artists not only have a newfound reach, but the ability and the resources to do what they do best – create. Artists are eager to sell their work, however, it’s their realization of pride and empowerment that makes this initiative a true success, officials said.
Original Caribbean artwork can be found at www.islandsarts.com.