Some speakers leave the audience informed.
Elton Villareal left us charged.
At CreActivo Conference 2025, his session “Defining the Creative Economy: A Caribbean Perspective” was more than a presentation. It was a wake-up call for every creative, policymaker, and dreamer in the room. With clarity and conviction, Elton bridged what many still treat as separate worlds — culture and economy — and showed us that in the Caribbean, they are one and the same.
Elton spoke with a tone that mixed intellect and authenticity. He didn’t hide behind jargon or overly polished slides. Instead, he brought us face-to-face with the power that already exists in our islands: our artists, designers, filmmakers, storytellers, and cultural entrepreneurs. He reminded us that creativity is not a side hustle or a hobby; it is the core of who we are and how we survive.
Through vivid examples from CARIFESTA XV, Elton celebrated the Caribbean’s diversity — from the bold visual arts exhibitions that connected communities across borders, to St. Maarten’s vibrant participation that put small islands on big stages. He didn’t just showcase achievements; he positioned them as economic opportunities.
“Culture,” he said, “is not only identity. It’s currency.”
And in that moment, every creative in the room understood exactly what he meant.
Elton called for collaboration that goes beyond lip service. He urged us to start building creative infrastructure — systems, policies, and networks that don’t just celebrate talent but sustain it. His invitation to “co-create the Caribbean creative economy” wasn’t just rhetorical. It was an open door to every island ready to take ownership of its creative future.
We thank Elton Villareal for his performance, his honesty, and his energy.
He didn’t come to impress; he came to ignite.
CreActivo 2025 is about action, leadership, and co-ownership of our cultural destiny. Elton embodied all three — and left us with one undeniable truth: the creative economy is not waiting to be defined. It’s waiting to be built, together.