Aruba Fashion Week (AFW) is proud to highlight its ongoing collaboration with the Department of Culture Aruba (DCA), a strategic alliance whose main objective is the development, strengthening, and visibility of local creative talent and the Creative Industry in Aruba.
Over the past three years, this collaboration has become an essential pillar in the growth of the creative sector on our island, with particular emphasis on young talent that has yet to be fully discovered or developed. Through a structured and sustainable approach, both institutions actively contribute to positioning creativity as a driver of cultural, social, and economic development.
The mission of Aruba Fashion Week has always focused on creating a platform for local talent, fostering artistic expression, and connecting Aruban creativity with regional and international stages. The Department of Culture Aruba shares this same vision, recognizing the Creative Industry as a key sector for economic diversification, cultural identity, and innovation. This alignment of missions has created a solid foundation for programs, opportunities, and initiatives that directly impact our creative community.
The Role of the Creative Industry and the Support of DCA
The Department of Culture Aruba, as a government institution, plays a fundamental role in supporting and strengthening the Creative Industry by acting as a facilitator of cultural policy, strategic guidance, and access to development opportunities. Through collaboration with platforms such as Aruba Fashion Week, DCA promotes a creative ecosystem that encourages professionalization, creative entrepreneurship, and the export of Aruban talent to international markets.
The Creative Industry which includes fashion, design, art, music, and other cultural expressions is treated as a sector with great potential to create jobs, identity, and global visibility. The collaboration with AFW confirms DCA’s commitment to ensuring that local talent is not only visible but also sustainable and competitive at an international level.
Through this partnership, Aruba Fashion Week and the Department of Culture Aruba have successfully supported several emerging designers, artists, and creatives by providing them with access to professional mentorship, exposure, practical experience, and platforms to showcase their work. The impact of this is clearly visible in the progress of local talent that has managed to position itself beyond Aruba’s borders.
A clear example of the results of this collaboration is the Aruban designer Quiana Cronie, founder of the brand Cashaca. Thanks to continuous support, creative structure, and the platform offered over the past years, Quiana Cronie will officially present her collection at New York Fashion Week in February. This is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for the Aruban Creative Industry and concrete proof that investment in local talent can lead to global recognition.
Aruba Fashion Week firmly believes that the collaboration with the Department of Culture Aruba is of key importance for the future of the Creative Industry on our island. Both established and undiscovered talent need opportunities, support, and visibility to fully flourish.
The continuation of this alliance will contribute to building a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive creative ecosystem.
Aruba Fashion Week and the Department of Culture Aruba express their mutual gratitude for the trust, commitment, and support shown over the past three years. The hope is that this collaboration will continue to strengthen, ensuring that Aruban creativity, art, and talent continue to grow and shine both in Aruba and on the international stage.
