CDB backs NativeFoto’s Caribbean stock media push
The Caribbean Development Bank awarded NativeFoto Ltd., a Trinidad and Tobago creative firm, a 100,000 U.S. dollar grant to build a digital stock photography platform showcasing authentic Caribbean visuals. The funding comes from the Bank’s Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund.
The project, “Unlocking Caribbean Pride Through Stock Media,” will create a regional hub for Caribbean images and video using AI tools and a mobile-friendly design. It aims to support local creators, protect cultural heritage, and reduce dependence on foreign stock content. NativeFoto plans to onboard more than 100 photographers in its first year and add features like authenticity checks and themed collections.
The proposal won selection from 53 entries across 11 borrowing member countries. The Bank noted strong teams with expertise in creative, technical, and legal fields, along with clear goals for youth, gender inclusion, and sustainable development. Implementation will span 12 months with support from photographic societies in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to ensure quality and broad participation.
