Michelle Cox: Shaping CARIFESTA XV with a Legacy of Excellence

Michelle Cox - Artistic Lead for CARIFESTA XV

When Michelle Cox accepted the role of Artistic Lead for CARIFESTA XV, it marked the continuation of a remarkable journey spanning more than three decades in the performing arts. A dynamic force in regional theatre and cultural advocacy, Cox brings a wealth of experience, academic rigour, and creative vision to the Caribbean’s premier cultural festival.

“Having worked in 2013 as Assistant Delegation Lead for CARIFESTA XI in Suriname and then as Theatre Coordinator on the Regional Festival Committee in Barbados for CARIFESTA XIII, it was my pleasure to accept the offer to serve as Artistic Lead for this year's hosting of the festival. It is not often that we in Barbados are able to witness the melting pot of regional and global cultures that will grace our shores over the course of 10 days, and being given the opportunity to lead the team that is coordinating that effort is as much humbling, as it is an honour,” she shared.

From the rehearsal halls of Barbados to the academic corridors of the University of Glasgow where she is currently pursuing a PhD in Theatre and Archaeology, Michelle Cox has consistently elevated the region’s cultural discourse. Her work as a theatre educator, arts administrator, playwright, director, and producer has left an indelible imprint on the Caribbean arts landscape.

Cox’s contributions to CARIFESTA are deeply rooted. In addition to her roles in previous editions of the festival, she has also served as a Cultural Officer for Theatre Arts at the National Cultural Foundation, and is currently the Theatre Arts Coordinator at the Barbados Community College. Through these positions, she has shaped the training of young artists while advocating for the preservation and evolution of Caribbean performance traditions.

A founding member of Rhema Artistic Consultants & Theatre Services and Bimprov, Michelle has produced a wide array of theatrical works that challenge, entertain, and educate. Her productions often reflect the Caribbean aesthetic, using folk forms and vernacular language to highlight themes of identity, heritage, and community.

She is also an internationally published researcher and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). Her immersive work with the Barbados Museum & Historical Society on Museum Theatre projects has pioneered new approaches to storytelling and cultural preservation in the region.

As Artistic Lead, Michelle Cox now oversees the creative vision and execution of CARIFESTA XV’s diverse programming, curating content that showcases the richness of Caribbean expression. From visual arts to dance, spoken word to street theatre, her leadership ensures that every artistic discipline is authentically represented and strategically aligned with the festival’s overarching goals.

Michelle’s deep-rooted commitment to the arts, fused with her strategic insight and creative flair, make her an invaluable asset to CARIFESTA XV. Her leadership promises a festival that is not only visually and culturally spectacular, but one that captures the heart and soul of the Caribbean experience.