Clara Lionel Foundation Commits Funds to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Jamaica’s Creative Sector

We are excited to share some truly meaningful news with our Kingston Creative family. The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), created by global artist Rihanna, has made a generous contribution to our Creative Resilience Fund, becoming one of our major philanthropic partners for 2026.

After Hurricane Melissa, we listened to heartbreaking stories from creatives across Jamaica. Many lost tools, equipment, materials, or their entire workspace overnight. For artists and cultural practitioners who often operate informally or without insurance, a storm can instantly wipe out their ability to earn. This is the reality that the Creative Resilience Fund was created to address.

Thanks to CLF’s contribution, we will be able to support more than 60 creatives whose incomes and creative practice have been disrupted. This builds on the 78 creatives we have already assisted, many from the craft sector, which remains one of the most climate‑affected parts of the cultural economy.

As CLF’s Head of Programs and Impact, Amina Doherty, states, ““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.” She further added “Through this partnership, the Clara Lionel Foundation deepens its longstanding commitment to climate resilience, creative industry development, and community empowerment across the Caribbean region.”

Our Operations Manager, Richard Hartley, added something we also feel strongly: “It is very fitting that resilience for creatives is being funded by a creative. Rihanna is an inspiration to many emerging artists in Jamaica.”

Through this partnership, CLF joins our First 100 Founders, a remarkable group of donors, including the VM Group, CB Facey Foundation, and Bank of Jamaica, who are investing in a stronger, more resilient creative economy and supporting the long‑term transformation of Downtown Kingston.

To the Clara Lionel Foundation:
Thank you.
Your belief in Jamaican creatives helps build a brighter, more secure future for our cultural sector.

To our community, we invite you to continue this work with us. When you donate, volunteer, share our programmes, or become a member, you help ensure that artists can survive climate shocks and continue shaping Jamaica’s cultural identity.

Support the Fund or join us at:
👉 www.kingstoncreative.org/donate

Become a member here:
www.kingstoncreative.org/members