A local organization on St. Croix has created a space to allow young adults to promote their work and help them kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts’ Millennial Committee is curating a bimonthly event dubbed ‘The Gathering: Connections and Cocktails’ — a mixer that aims to connect young entrepreneurs and artists with more experienced individuals in their respective fields, according to committee member Kariel Granger.
Granger said the committee is hosting its final mixer of the year from 6-10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, at the museum, located in downtown Frederiksted, and is inviting residents to attend.
“We just want to bring all types of people together to share ideas and resources with each other in a relaxed setting. I often see that upcoming artists and entrepreneurs may feel intimidated by more experienced people in their fields, but with events like this we can help to bridge that gap,” she said. “We have so many young people on the island who just need a place to showcase their work.”
While the networking event will feature its usual catering by Motta Cuisine, a cash bar and music by Big Kat Sounds, Friday’s event is made special by an open mic segment hosted by Elanie Jno-Baptiste. It will also include a scavenger hunt, raffles and various prizes.
Granger said the event gives residents the opportunity to put their talents and businesses on display, noting that there will be a number of vendors at the museum Friday. According to Granger, not only do the vendors get the chance to sell their merchandise, they also serve as a source of inspiration for other small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to do the same.
“We want people to come and see that it’s doable. A lot of people think that they can’t start their own business or are afraid to release their art, but when they come to the event and meet other people who have done it or others who may just be starting out reaching for the same goals, they realize they can do it too,” she said.
The Millennial Committee encourages all attendees to take full advantage of this opportunity by creating business cards and promoting their personal projects.
Entry to the event is $3 with a business card and $5 without one. Progressive Lifestyles, a sponsor of the event, will be providing free HIV and Hepatitis C testing to guests between the ages of 13 and 24 years old. Attendees will also have the chance to view the current exhibit Mascaras y Ritmos.
For more information, residents are invited to call the museum at 772-2622.
