Culture and Creativity making its official debut as a potential economic pillar CCIs the future LEARN MORE More information... Welcome CREACTIVO conference Buy your tickets here

Thank you!

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us at the CreActivo Conference. Your presence and participation made the event a success, and we hope you left feeling inspired and energized about the future of Aruba’s Cultural and Creative Industries.

Stay connected! In the coming days, we will be publishing more information, including highlights from the sessions, key takeaways, and what’s next for CreActivo. Be sure to check back or subscribe to stay updated.

Thank you once again for being part of this transformative experience!

International Speakers

Felipe Buitrago Restrepo

Author, Economist, Strategist, former Minister of Culture of Colombia

Felipe Buitrago Restrepo

Felipe Buitrago is a highly accomplished professional with an impressive track record in the Cultural & Creative Economy and the Information & Communications Technology sectors. With over 22 years of experience, Felipe has held prominent positions and made significant contributions in various areas, including policymaking, academic research, and authorship. As the former Minister of Culture of Colombia, Felipe played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing impactful public policies.

John King

Senator John King/ Former Minister of The Creative Economy, Culture and Sports of Barbados

John King

The Hon. John A. King, M.P., was sworn in as the Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports in the Mia Mottley led Barbados Labour
Party Cabinet on May 27, 2018. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for the St. Philip West constituency in a landslide victory following the May 24th Barbados elections.

Clara Reyes

Head of the Department of Culture, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of St. Maarten

Clara Reyes

Clara Reyes is a distinguished cultural advocate, artist, and educator from Sint Maarten, known for her unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating Caribbean culture. With a rich background in dance, theater, and cultural heritage, she has dedicated her life to fostering creative expression and education on the island. As the co-founder and Director of the National Institute of Arts (NIA) in Sint Maarten, Clara has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the region, providing a platform for young artists to develop their talents and connect with their cultural roots.

Local and Regional Speakers

At CreActivo Conference 2024, we are proud to showcase the incredible talent and expertise that exists right here in Aruba. Our local speakers are leaders in their fields, bringing deep insights and a profound understanding of the island’s unique cultural and creative landscape.

These individuals have been instrumental in shaping Aruba’s Cultural and Creative Industries, and their contributions have had a lasting impact on our community. Whether through pioneering cultural initiatives, leading successful creative enterprises, or advocating for the arts, our local speakers are the heartbeat of the island’s creative spirit.

Each of our local speakers will share their experiences, challenges, and successes, offering valuable lessons on how to navigate and thrive in our evolving industry. Their stories are perfect examples of the power of creativity and the potential for innovation that exists within our community.

By shining a spotlight on our local talent, we aim to inspire and empower others to pursue their creative passions and contribute to the vibrant cultural soul of Aruba. These voices are essential in driving the future of our island’s Cultural and Creative Industries, ensuring that our heritage and creativity continue to flourish for generations to come.

Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, champions community-driven tourism that celebrates and uplifts Aruba’s rich cultural and creative heritage. Recognizing the importance of empowering and involving local communities in the island’s development, Ronella is leading initiatives that integrate culture and tourism, ensuring that all feel the benefits of these industries. Her leadership is instrumental in building partnerships that empower local artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners, making them key contributors to Aruba’s identity as a vibrant and authentic destination. Through her inclusive approach, Ronella is helping the Go Cultura Foundation to create a sustainable future where culture, creativity, and community thrive together.

In her important role, she empowers locals and fosters community-building while also strengthening the connection between Aruba’s cultural heritage and its tourism industry. Derchlien is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the island’s unique identity. She has played a vital role in developing projects highlighting the richness of Aruba’s cultural and creative sectors, creating opportunities for local artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural organizations to thrive and positively impact the tourism landscape.

Derchlien’s work emphasizes the importance of community involvement and collaboration, ensuring that the growth of the cultural and creative industries benefits not only the tourism sector but also the broader community. Through her strategic vision, she has helped to build a more inclusive and sustainable model for tourism in Aruba, one that respects and elevates the island’s cultural assets while offering authentic experiences to visitors.

Mary-Ann Falconi-Rasmijn is the Co-Founder and Director of Impact Hub Aruba, a dynamic platform that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development on the island. With a passion for empowering local talent, MaryAnne has been a key figure in building a vibrant ecosystem that supports creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in Aruba’s Cultural and Creative Industries.

Through her leadership at Impact Hub Aruba, MaryAnne has spearheaded numerous initiatives that provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for individuals and organizations striving to make a positive impact. Her work focuses on nurturing the potential of the local community, driving collaboration, and inspiring new approaches to solving societal challenges through creativity and entrepreneurship.

MaryAnne’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for Aruba makes her an influential voice in the island’s creative landscape. She continues to play a crucial role in shaping an environment where innovation flourishes and local ideas can grow into global solutions.

Daniel Tecklenborg, Executive Director of CEDE Aruba, brings a wealth of experience in community development and social innovation to the CreActivo Conference 2024. Under his leadership, CEDE Aruba has been at the forefront of initiatives that empower local communities and foster sustainable development across the island. Daniel’s work is driven by a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Aruba through strategic partnerships and innovative programs.

At the CreActivo Conference, Daniel will share insights into how the Cultural and Creative Industries can be leveraged to drive social impact and community resilience. His approach emphasizes collaboration between the public, private, and non-profit sectors, ensuring that the benefits of cultural and creative initiatives are widely shared. With a focus on creating inclusive opportunities for all, Daniel’s contributions to the conference will underscore the importance of aligning creative strategies with community needs, paving the way for a more vibrant and equitable future for Aruba.

Partners

Premier Partner

Event Partners

AHATA
Setar NV
Directie Cultuur Aruba
CEDE Aruba
Aruba Airport Authority

Goal

We aim to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community where creatives, visionaries, and leaders can network, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that resonate within the broader creative ecosystem that nurtures their work. Whether you are an established professional, a hobbyist, an emerging talent, or a critical supporter of the cultural and creative industries, CreActivo provides a unique opportunity to engage with the entire spectrum of the Cultural and Creative Industries. This makes it an essential event for anyone invested in creativity, innovation, and the sustainable growth of these sectors.

Join us to explore new opportunities, influence policy, secure financial support, and build collaborations that break traditional boundaries. CreActivo is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that every voice in the field is heard, making it the premier event for all stakeholders in the cultural and creative industries.

The Cataclysmic Conference Awaits…

Target Group

CreActivo is a dynamic platform designed to bring together individuals and groups from the cultural and creative industries, both locally and globally. Our conference draws a broad spectrum of creative professionals—artists, designers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, performers, digital creators, educators, and innovators—who are eager to broaden their horizons and forge meaningful connections within their fields. We also actively engage policymakers, decision-makers, politicians, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders who play a vital role in shaping and supporting the cultural and creative sectors.

Program Highlights