Vincentian filmmaker receives Seed Award from Prince Claus Foundation

Vincentian filmmaker and visual artist Akley Olton has been honored with a Seed Award from the Prince Claus Foundation. The Seed Award is granted annually to 100 emerging artists and cultural practitioners whose creative work addresses pressing issues in their local communities.

Olton, known for his passion for stories that inspire and provoke, focuses on exploring aesthetics that reconnect with ancestry, tradition, and cultural identity. A core theme in his visual style is resistance, highlighting the transformative power of art in society. He is an alumnus of the University of the West Indies and the prestigious International School of Film and Television (EICTV) in Cuba.

The Prince Claus Seed Award provides recipients with €5,000 to invest in their artistic practice, along with global recognition and opportunities to expand their networks. This support enables artists like Olton to continue creating impactful work that fosters positive social change within their communities.

Olton's recent works include the documentary "SugarLands," which explores the historical connections between Wales and St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the era of slavery. His commitment to highlighting Caribbean narratives continues to shed light on the enduring impacts of colonialism and the importance of preserving and understanding the rich history of the region.

The Prince Claus Foundation, through initiatives like the Seed Award, aims to support emerging artists and cultural practitioners globally, particularly those working in contexts where cultural expression is under pressure. By providing financial support and recognition, the foundation empowers artists to explore new perspectives and develop their practices on their own terms.

For more information about the Prince Claus Seed Award and the application process, interested individuals can visit the Prince Claus Fund's official website.

Additionally, the Prince Claus Fund has provided a webinar detailing the application process for the 2025 Seed Award, which can be viewed below: