CNCF celebrates Rita Powell’s selection to the 2026 IFACCA Globus Cohort

The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) is proud to announce that Rita Powell, head of Education, Grants and Research at the organization, has been selected as a member of the 2026 IFACCA Globus Cohort; a prestigious international fellowship programme delivered by the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) in partnership with the Nordic Culture Fund. The fellowship operates as a global cohort model, bringing together selected cultural researchers and practitioners from different countries to collaborate virtually and through select convenings over the fellowship period. As part of the fellowship, Rita will undertake research on the Cayman Islands’ cultural and creative industries, participate in international knowledge-sharing sessions with peers worldwide, and present her findings through IFACCA’s global cultural policy platform. Rita’s inclusion in the cohort marks a significant milestone for CNCF and the wider Cayman Islands cultural sector, providing a global platform to advance research into the Culture and Creative Industries from a distinctly Caymanian perspective. Through the fellowship, Rita will contribute to international dialogue on cultural policy, research, and innovation, while bringing valuable insights back to the local creative ecosystem. Rosalie Twohey, Director of CNCF, welcomed the announcement: “From CNCF’s perspective, I was thrilled when the Fellowship was announced in November last year and noted that it would be the perfect opportunity to further ERG’s research into the Culture and Creative Industries from a Caymanian perspective and also that Rita’s research will be presented through this global forum. The additional knowledge sharing will place CNCF in a position of thought leadership which is one of the aims of our strategic redirection.” The IFACCA Globus Fellowship brings together emerging cultural leaders from around the world to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and explore forward-looking approaches to cultural development. Rita’s participation will enable CNCF to deepen its research capabilities, strengthen international partnerships, and amplify Cayman’s unique cultural narrative on the global stage. “This opportunity is incredibly important for the continued development of our creative and cultural industries,” said Cassandra Shea, Head of Theatre and Festivals at the Foundation. “It will help inform how our theatre productions and cultural programming can remain globally relevant while staying deeply rooted in Caymanian heritage, representation, and preservation. We are excited for Rita and the Cultural Foundation to collaborate with regional and international cohorts and to bring that knowledge home.” On receiving the accolade, Rita added “I am honoured to be selected for the IFACCA fellowship and look forward to collaborating with this distinguished cohort of leaders. This opportunity further strengthens the Cayman National Cultural Foundation's leadership within the cultural industries and positions us to address the pressing cultural challenges facing the Cayman Islands.” Rita’s selection aligns closely with CNCF’s strategic priorities, particularly its focus on positioning the organisation as a centre of excellence and thought leadership in the region. Insights generated through the fellowship will support CNCF’s ongoing work to champion Caymanian creativity, inform policy conversations, and expand opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners. CNCF looks forward to sharing updates from Rita’s participation throughout the fellowship period and to leveraging the outcomes to benefit the Cayman Islands’ vibrant cultural and creative industries.