Grants
We provide funding to individual creatives and organizations through two dedicated grant programs — designed to support new work, creative businesses and arts education.
Workshops
We host workshops covering business, legal and marketing skills tailored for creatives — helping artists become more professionally prepared and financially sustainable.
Events
From concerts to creative showcases, we create space for connection, visibility and fundraising — celebrating the talent and contributions of Black Collar Creatives.
About the Foundation
The Black Collar Creative Foundation was established in 2023 to honour the legacy of Janine Charles-Farray — a creative force, cultural strategist and fierce advocate for Trinidad & Tobago’s artistic community.
Founded by her mother, Marva De Freitas - Charles, the Foundation continues Janine’s mission to support the people behind the culture by offering grant funding, capacity-building and industry advocacy for creative professionals.
We exist to ensure that Black Collar Creatives are not just seen, but supported... financially, professionally and structurally.
Founded by her mother, Marva De Freitas - Charles, the Foundation continues Janine’s mission to support the people behind the culture by offering grant funding, capacity-building and industry advocacy for creative professionals.
We exist to ensure that Black Collar Creatives are not just seen, but supported... financially, professionally and structurally.
What is a Black Collar Creative?
noun
A creative professional working in the fields of art, culture and entertainment — including but not limited to artists, performers, producers, designers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, photographers and behind-the-scenes visionaries.
A creative professional working in the fields of art, culture and entertainment — including but not limited to artists, performers, producers, designers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, photographers and behind-the-scenes visionaries.
A Black Collar Creative is the person behind the culture — someone whose work drives storytelling, innovation and expression in Trinidad & Tobago’s creative economy.
The term was coined by Janine Charles-Farray to give name, structure and respect to a workforce often overlooked; a powerful reminder that creatives are not hobbyists, but professionals worthy of investment, support and recognition.
The term was coined by Janine Charles-Farray to give name, structure and respect to a workforce often overlooked; a powerful reminder that creatives are not hobbyists, but professionals worthy of investment, support and recognition.
Funding the Future of Creativity
We offer two core grant programs designed to support creatives and organizations building meaningful work within Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural landscape...
The Black Collar Grant
This grant provides seed funding to individual creatives and small creative businesses working across disciplines like music, film, fashion, design, theatre and visual arts. It is designed to help artists launch, grow, or complete a specific creative project — whether that’s producing new work, expanding a business, or testing a bold idea.
The J.C.F. Creative Capacity Grant
Named in honour of Janine Charles-Farray, this grant supports schools, NGOs and community-based organizations delivering creative education and programming. It is intended to fund initiatives that build artistic capacity, access and impact — including classes, workshops, mentorship programs and resource development across art, music, dance, film and more.
Upcoming Events
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Black Collar Creative Benefit Concert📍 Location will be revealed
📅 Date TBC - Stay tunedA powerful evening of music, storytelling, and community in support of Trinidad & Tobago’s creative professionals. All proceeds go toward funding our annual grant programs. -
Workshop: Law, Rights & Intellectual Property for Creatives📍 Virtual (Zoom)
📅 Date TBC - Look out for upcoming sessions in 2027Join legal and IP professionals for a session focused on contracts, rights management, trademarking, and protecting your creative work.
“The creative sector doesn’t need more applause — it needs structure, investment and belief.”
Janine Charles-Farray (1983-2022)
Founder, Black Collar Creative
Support the Future of Creativity
Your contribution helps fund grants, workshops and advocacy for the people who drive our culture. When you support the Black Collar Creative Foundation, you’re investing in the artists, performers, producers and behind-the-scenes visionaries who shape Trinidad & Tobago’s creative landscape.
More ways to support us...
Corporate Sponsorships
Partner with us on workshops, networking events and creative showcases, to align your brand with an organization advocating for the creative sector.
Mentorship
Help nurture the next generation of industry professionals, by lending your time to educate creatives on legal, financial and business practices within the industry.
Volunteer
Join our network of supporters and help bring our events, workshops and community initiatives to life. Every helping hand contributes to uplifting the creative community.
Scenes from our previous events...
Contact Us
Whether you’re a creative looking for support, a potential partner, or someone who simply believes in what we do... we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our grants, events, or how you can get involved.
+1 868 678 3432
bccreativefoundation@gmail.com
bccreativefoundation@gmail.com
While we work on getting our digital payment portal set up, please send your donations via TT Bank Transfer using the details below
Donate to support our work!
Trinidad and Tobago Local ACH Transfers
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International Wire Transfers
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Express Your Interest
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Black Collar Creative Foundation! Please indicate briefly below how you would like to support our mission. We will be in touch soon.
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Get In Touch With Us!
We'd love to hear from you. Please share your questions or comments below and we will be in touch soon!
By clicking the button you agree to be contacted by a Black Collar Creative Foundation team member in connection with your query or comment.
