The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) has announced its second year of sponsorship of the Excellence in Media Coverage of Caribbean Arts and Culture category at the 37th Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) Media Awards. The ongoing partnership recognises the critical role of journalism in documenting, critically engaging with, and amplifying Caribbean arts and culture.

The category is open to eligible media organisations and professionals operating across the Caribbean and the Caribbean diaspora, and invites submissions that reflect the reach of artistic expression in the region. Eligible entries must feature material first published during 2025, with submissions closing on February 28, 2026. Winners, who will each receive a bursary of USD 1,000, will be announced at the CBU Media Awards Gala in August 2026.

Under the partnership, the CBU will evaluate entries based on technical and journalistic standards, while the CCF will convene panels to assess artistic merit, ensuring that both editorial integrity and cultural insight guide the judging process.

Entries should address one or more of the following areas:

• Arts in Society and Current Affairs — Reporting that examines the role of the arts in shaping public opinion, influencing social change, or responding to contemporary issues.
• Critical Reviews and Cultural Criticism — In-depth, balanced critiques that assess artistic strengths and challenges while offering contextual and constructive analysis.
• Artist Profiles and Creative Journeys — Reported features exploring artists’ personal histories, motivations, and creative trajectories.
• Arts and Everyday Life — Stories highlighting how arts and culture intersect with daily life, community traditions, education, and informal spaces.
• Arts as Resilience, Joy, and Meaning — Journalism that explores how the arts help individuals and communities navigate hardship, preserve identity, and find purpose.
• Arts, Culture, and Crisis Response — Coverage examining how artists and cultural institutions respond to disasters or emergencies, and why culture remains essential during periods of crisis.
• Funding, Policy, and Cultural Ecosystems — Investigative or explanatory reporting on how funding, policy, or investment shapes arts and culture at national, sectoral, or community levels.

The partnership builds on strong engagement in the previous cycle of the competition, which received 48 entries under this theme, signalling growing interest in high-quality journalism focused on Caribbean arts and culture.

To support prospective entrants, the CCF and CBU will host a sensitisation session on January 29, 2026, aimed at media practitioners interested in submitting work to the category. The session will outline eligibility criteria and key dates, review the focus areas, and provide practical guidance on what judges will be looking for in both media and artistic evaluation. It will also offer insights from the previous awards cycle and share tips to help content creators and media houses prepare strong submissions. The event gets going at 9.00 AM BZE/ 10.00 AM EST/ 11.00 AM AST/ Noon SUR

CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene noted the enduring value of the renewed partnership with the CCF. “In shining a spotlight on coverage of arts and culture, and the creative industries we make it clear this isn’t a lesser topic for media coverage. Rather it’s an incentive for media professionals to explore a sector of real value to audiences throughout the region, and that truly matters to our advance as developing countries and territories.”

CCF Executive Director Kellie Magnus said the collaboration reflects the Fund’s commitment to strengthening Caribbean arts and culture through visibility, review, and public discussion.

“In the year since we launched these awards, the Caribbean has been hit by many challenges that reinforce how essential the arts are to reflect, protect and strengthen our culture. We believe more than ever that thoughtful journalism can help to amplify the power of the arts and are excited to see what CBU members and the wider community will create this year,” Magnus shared.

For more information on how to enter, contact cbumediaawards@caribroadcastunion.org or review the Awards Rules on www.caribroadcastunion.org.