By KINGSTON CREATIVE
The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), founded by global music icon and humanitarian Rihanna, has donated an undisclosed amount to the Creative Resilience Fund, becoming one of the organisation’s major philanthropic partners for 2026.
The contribution will directly support over 60 creatives through the emergency grant facility established to assist Jamaican artists and creative entrepreneurs affected by Hurricane Melissa.
As the climate crisis accelerates, hurricanes in the Caribbean are becoming more intense and destructive. For Jamaica’s creative sector, which is largely composed of micro and small enterprises, independent artists, these events can be economically devastating. Many creatives operate without insurance, savings buffers, or access to affordable recovery financing. The informality of their operations also renders them virtually invisible to Government entities seeking to provide recovery assistance, primarily to registered businesses. A single storm can destroy inventory, equipment, studios, and exhibition spaces, erasing cultural practice and threatening livelihoods.
The Creative Resilience Fund was developed by Kingston Creative in recognition of this growing vulnerability. It provides direct emergency grants and pathways to renewed economic activity for creatives whose incomes have been disrupted by climate-related disasters. Since its inception, the Fund has received funds from the Miami Foundation and the CLF and in turn approved grants to 78 creatives, primarily within the craft sector, one of the most climate-exposed segments of the cultural economy.
“Strong philanthropic leadership is critical at this moment”, commented Amina Doherty, Head of Programs and Impact at the Clara Lionel Foundation. “Public disaster response mechanisms rarely account for the specific needs of artists and cultural practitioners, despite artists’ significant contribution to national identity, tourism, employment, and community cohesion. Strategic private giving helps intermediary organisations and nonprofits to close this gap,ensuring that recovery is not left to chance and that cultural ecosystems are not permanently diminished after each storm. Through this partnership, the Clara Lionel Foundation deepens its longstanding commitment to climate resilience, creative industry development, and community empowerment across the Caribbean region. CLF’s support will expand Kingston Creative’s ability to increase grant disbursements, strengthen preparedness initiatives, and build longer-term systems that enable artists to withstand future shocks”.
“We are grateful for the support,” said Richard Hartley, Operations Manager, Kingston Creative. “It is also very fitting that resilience for creatives is being funded by a creative. Rihanna is an inspiration to many emerging artists in Jamaica, and it is an honour to be able to partner with her charitable foundation”.
As one of Kingston Creative’s First 100 Founders, the Clara Lionel Foundation joins a distinguished group of donors and partners including the CB Facey Foundation, VM Group, the Bank of Jamaica and others who are investing in the sustainable future of Jamaica’s creative economy and the renewal of Downtown Kingston. The First 100 Membership tier recognises organisations who contribute J$1 million or more annually to support the long-term transformation of Downtown Kingston into a globally competitive cultural district.
Kingston Creative extends sincere appreciation to the Clara Lionel Foundation for its decisive investment in Jamaica’s cultural resilience. The organisation calls on additional philanthropic institutions, corporations, and individual donors to support the Creative Resilience Fund and strengthen the systems that protect the nation’s artists in an era of increasing climate volatility.
Contributions to the Fund may be made through the American Friends of Jamaica or directly to Kingston Creative www.kingstoncreative.org/donate. More information on membership and giving opportunities is available at www.kingstoncreative.org/donate.
