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.
From the creators of “Foro Cultural”, we present: CreActivo Conference 2024, a central gathering for the Cultural and Creative Industries in Aruba and the wider region. As we come together on October 8th and 9th, 2024, this conference marks a significant step in our mission to champion, highlight, map, and elevate the creative landscape of our island.
Organized by the Go Cultura Foundation and its valuable partners, CreActivo 2024 is designed to be more than just a conference—it’s a call to action. With the theme of understanding, innovating, and transforming, we will explore the dynamic interplay between culture, creativity, social transformation, and economic growth. Over two days, industry leaders, policymakers, artists, creatives, and visionaries will engage in thought-provoking discussions, share cutting-edge ideas, and collaborate on strategies to empower the Cultural and Creative Industries.
Our distinguished speakers, hailing from across the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe, will provide valuable insights into the trends shaping the industry. From the creative economy in Colombia to the transformative potential of culture in tourism, their expertise will guide our understanding of how to harness creativity for sustainable development.
CreActivo 2024 is not just about dialogue; it’s about action. Together, we will transform insights into actionable plans, ensuring that the cultural and creative sectors are not only recognized but also nurtured and supported as key drivers of our economy and society.
Join us as we chart a new course for the future of creativity in Aruba. Whether you’re a creative professional, entrepreneur, policymaker, or advocate, CreActivo Conference 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired.
International Speakers
Global strategist and adviser on creative economies
John Howkins
John Howkins is a global strategist and adviser on creative economies, covering culture, media, entertainment, technology and innovation.
He is the author of three global best-selling books The Creative Economy: How People Make Money From Ideas (2001), Creative Ecologies (2009) and Invisible Work: The Hidden Ingredient of Creativity, Purpose and Power (2020).
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.
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.
A highly respected trainer from Curaçao, with a global footprint in leadership development and capacity building. Through his innovative use of experiential learning, he has empowered individuals and organizations in countries like Bolivia and Japan, fostering leadership and personal growth. As a former leader of Junior Chamber International (JCI), Elton has a deep commitment to helping creatives and young entrepreneurs unlock their full potential, encouraging them to strive for opportunities and success.
Elton’s expertise extends beyond training to conflict resolution and democratic dialogue, where he has played a vital role in bridging gaps within communities. His work with the UNDP has empowered artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners by fostering collaborative solutions and opportunities for growth. His capacity-building efforts have had a lasting impact on the creative sector, helping creatives move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, ensuring they realize their full potential.
At the CreActivo Conference, Elton will share his invaluable insights on the continuous capacity building needed for the success of the Cultural and Creative Industries. His expertise is crucial for those looking to thrive in today’s ever-changing creative landscape, making his contribution to the event not only valuable but indispensable.
Partners
Premier Partner
Event Partners
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
