We have BIG plans for creating and running all kinds of programmes and projects that will help develop arts and culture in Saint Lucia – all genres; all ages; all communities; folk – traditional; contemporary – avante garde. This of course requires resources – resources currently well-beyond the CDF’s budget allocation from Government.
So we’re reaching out to the wider world and asking people to just give what they can – it could be as little as US$5 (EC$13.50) – that may seem small, but if 1000 people give $5, we already have $5,000. If 500 people give $10, then we have another $5000 and so it goes on. This is our ‘Crowd Funding’ Campaign – you can find it on www.indiegogo.com/projects/summer-of-the-arts.
You may still feel that such a small contribution will not make a significant impact…so why bother? Well, it’s not just the money value of the donation that is important – it goes FAR beyond that:
First, any size donation demonstrates that there is interest from a wide number of people and this allows us to show other donors – corporate, government and funding agencies, that if they put their money in our projects, it will have a big impact because people are engaged in our work, they’re watching what we do and interacting with us – this directly helps CDF to raise more funds.
Through crowd funding we can also build a network – a gathering of people who share common interests in arts and culture – practitioners; consumers; developers; promoters – everyone whose life or work is touched by arts and culture.
This enables us to connect with people who can also give ‘in-kind’ – it may be a key connection in a community; a place for rehearsals; materials; promotion – it all goes a long way towards enabling the work of CDF and the growth of arts and culture as social development tools and viable options for careers. 
Letting us know you are there and you care enough to get involved– the enthusiasm of people who love Saint Lucia can build a wave of support that can carry us many times farther than we could go alone.
Never underestimate the value of giving just a little. It could be $5. And never underestimate the power of passing on the message – asking your friends to also give is what makes Crowd Funding successful – the bigger the crowd, the more we raise!
Crowd Funding is also great because we also give back! Our artists are pitching in in their numbers – check out the ‘Perks’ we give for various donation levels in our Indiegogo Campaign – our artists have generously given their work to create digital calendars, wallpapers and e-books.
And for those that really want to give ‘in-kind’ – we really would like to build a community of arts and culture supporters – a movement; a team; a non-stop koudmen…does that sound like something you’d like to be part of? If it does, drop us a line and let us know what you would like to contribute…we know there are people out there who want to help – we want to know who you are and we want you to tell us how you are willing to contribute.
Crowd Funding Campaign: www.indiegogo.com/projects/summer-of-the-arts