Local art to be exhibited at SMILE.
PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Innovations, Initiatives and Industries Link-Up Event (SMILE) slated for March 25 and 26 at University of St. Martin (USM), will provide a special platform for the St. Maarten artists and gallery community by providing an affordable art show.
St. Maarten artists will be able to share their art with visitors from the private and public sector as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs). “St. Maarten boasts many artists, whose artwork is not just purchased by individuals, but also by companies and government agencies. Many offices and public spaces try to provide a platform to local artists. By giving a special platform at SMILE to island-made art, it is hoped these creative entrepreneurs will receive more exposure,” SMILE coordinators said in a press statement.
According to organisers – St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) and 360* of Innovation Foundation – adding a special St. Maarten Art Fair section to the third edition of its trade show befits the formula of SMILE, as well as the close relationship of this edition with the creative economy.
For SMILE 2022, movie producer Ignas Van Schaik will be present as keynote speaker, as well as former Undersecretary for the Arts of Estonia and Chairman of the European Union Expert Group on Cultural and Creative Sectors Ragnar Siil. In conjunction with the Department of Culture, other ways are looked at to put St. Maarten’s “orange economy” on a pedestal as an opportunity for the future.
SMILE was founded in the wake of Hurricane Irma to inspire the North-eastern Caribbean business community with best practices in innovation and sustainability, local and international. As of its first edition in 2018, SMILE has proven to be “a great opportunity” for professionals to get (re)connected and obtain new professional updates and ideas and enhance skills.
SMILE organisers call on any artist or gallery looking to exhibit on the business and NGO event to contact the SMILE project office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1-721-542-0108. More information can be found at www.smilesintmaarten.com. The same accounts for participants from the public and private sector wanting to participate.
