Middle Passage Arts (MPA), founded by Adèle James in 2011, is an initiative focused on documenting and sharing the work of lesser-known African Diaspora artists in the Caribbean.

As someone born in Trinidad, West Indies, but raised in the U.S., Ms. James sought to reconnect with her heritage by exploring the artistic community of her birthplace.

This personal journey became the foundation of MPA’s initial focus on Trinidad and Tobago, where Ms. James used a grassroots approach, seeking out artists through word-of-mouth recommendations, to uncover talented creatives often overlooked by the mainstream.

Originally called ‘Caribbean Art Promotions’, the project was renamed ‘Middle Passage Arts’ to acknowledge this historical journey’s impact on Caribbean culture, creative expression, and spirituality.

These artists are not just creators but also culture keepers, preserving and expressing the rich heritage of the Caribbean, adding to the tapestry of the region’s cultural narrative.