Anika Plowden-Corentin is a visual mixed media storyteller from Trinidad and Tobago. She uses her voice to explore the nuances of life as a Caribbean woman of color, first generation academic and artist. She is the founder and creative director of Chosen Hands (Art and Wellness Program) where she and her team, along with a mobile network of artists and professionals, volunteer their time, talent and resources to use art and wellness initiatives as a vehicle to provide at risk/vulnerable youth with an opportunity for personal expression.  She is a member of the Board of the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT), where she channels her passion for leveraging visual art and networking to shape the organization's growth.  Anika holds a BSc. in Sociology with Human Resource Management, an MSc. Sociology (UWI) and an MBA (Henley Business School Reading). In 2020, her ‘Angel Belles’ were central to the International Women’s Day Exhibition held at the Red House Rotunda Gallery in Trinidad and Tobago.  In 2023, she received the International Forum of Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT) Inspirational Emerging Leader Award in art and using creativity to empower economically disadvantage girls.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: Inspire Impact: Art for Social Change Initiative 

This transformative program is designed to empower 25 youth leaders ages 12 to 35, including student leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, and NGO leaders. Centered on the belief that artistic expression and knowledge exchange are potent drivers of societal change, the initiative features an online session and an in-person workshop. Participants gained insights into leveraging US Embassy exchange programs like the IVLP and harnessing art's power to address social issues creatively. Sessions explored real-life case studies and strategies for using art to spark dialogue and drive community engagement. Through hands-on activities and collaborative project development, participants developed practical skills and forge a supportive network, aiming to create lasting positive impacts within their communities and beyond.  

Anika organized a two-day workshop for 30 participants on social entrepreneurship and leadership, featuring facilitators, artists, entrepreneurs, coaches, and the U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. The first day introduced the concepts of artistic activism, with examples from global initiatives supported by the U.S. Embassy, showcasing how art has been successfully used to inspire change across various communities worldwide. Day two expanded on these ideas, with participants collaborating on mini social change projects, gaining practical experience in integrating art with activism. Anika held a powerful 90-minute virtual event with 35 global leaders, artists, and activists to discuss the role of art in fostering social change, featuring presentations from the Center for Artistic Activism and highlighting various successful art initiatives that have impacted communities worldwide.

Explore Anika's insights on her IVLP Impact Award project and IVLP experience in this in-depth article, highlighting the power of global collaboration and cultural exchange: IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives – Reflections on the Inspire Impact Art for Social Change Workshop | Meridian International Center

“Our goal is to empower individuals to harness the power of art for social change, inspiring them to become catalysts for positive transformation in their communities.” – Anika Plowden 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Anika participated in the IVLP Project Promoting Social Change Through the Arts organized by the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City, WorldDenver, The International Center, Global Santa Fe, Global Ties ABQ, and International Center of the Capital Region.  

Anika’s exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award project: “The insights gained from discussions with experts and the vibrant cultural exchanges have deeply influenced the direction of my IVLP Impact Award project, fueling my commitment to creating meaningful change through creative expression.” 

“My IVLP experience, particularly the interactions with artists and activists in cities like New York and Indianapolis, ignited a passion within me to leverage the transformative power of art for social change.”  – Anika Plowden 

U.S. Communities Visited   

Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; New York City, NY, Troy, NY; Santa Fe, NM, Albuquerque, NM 

Country: Trinidad and Tobago 

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