Caribbean Export & EPA Implementation in the Caribbean Servi

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Caribbean Export and EPA Implementation in the Caribbean Services Sector BENEFICIARY SUCCESSES USING THE EPA

Studio Jay Recording – Trinidad & Tobago

in vocal and performance training, which culminated in performances at international festivals and venues in Europe. This was achieved by inviting the managers of some of these facilities and events to CARIFESTA XI, to view performances and to network with Caribbean artists from CARICOM Member States and Associate Members. Coaching sessions, business meetings, panel presentations, and performance showcases were organized over a four-day period during CARIFESTA XI, for the benefit of both artistes and arts presenters. The focus of the Caribbean Marketplace for the Arts at CARIFESTA XI was on music (vocalists and instrumentalists) and dance (contemporary and folk). Following these initiatives, a number of music industry professionals have benefited from continual engagement with counterparts within the European market; these include Trinidad and Tobago-based Studio Jay Recording and Caribbean Downloads/DanceBeat from St. Kitts and Nevis and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Jason Dasent of Studio Jay Recording participated in two Caribbean Export initiatives for creative industries firms, WOMEX and the Study Tours to Europe. In 2011, participation in WOMEX was seen as an avenue to gauge the needs of the European market as it relates to the genre of music that was more desired by that particular audience. Studio Jay also gained a greater appreciation for packaging, brand development and press and marketing requirements. Armed with this knowledge, the company submitted and expression of interest and was selected to participate in the Study Tours to Paris, Berlin and Manchester in 2012. Following participation in a series of B2B meetings during the Study Tours, a number of facilitators were interested in meeting with the Studio Jay team. As a result, a collaborative relationship was established with Punch Records in London. In Paris and Germany, further networking opportunity arose following discussions with a few studios. The discussions focused mainly on use of technology, recording studio platforms and potential business prospects. Studio Jay also used the occasion of the Study Tour to develop new ideas for the