Anika Plowden-Corentin: A Cultural Exchange Through Art and Purpose

When creativity meets purpose, transformation happens. This was the vision driving the recent cultural exchange between Trinidad and Tobago and Panama, where artist, educator, and social impact strategist Anika Plowden-Corentin took the lead in collaboration with Trinitica International director Aleah Guitan in coordinating a dynamic international experience rooted in art, diplomacy, and empowerment.

Held from July 6 to 9, 2025, the program brought together students from St. Francois Girls College, Queens Royal College and Panamanian institutions through a rich agenda of exhibitions, workshops, and dialogue. With the support of the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago in Panama, GALA Galería de Arte Latinoamericano, and cultural ministries from both nations, Anika served not only as artistic mentor but also as the visionary who nurtured connection beyond borders.

Art as a Bridge Between Nations

For Anika, art has always been a tool for storytelling and social healing. “Art speaks a language everyone understands. When we use it to build cultural exchange, we are not just sharing beauty - we are sharing identity, dreams, and values,” she says.

The exchange, part of the Diplomacia Cultural project, saw Trinidadian students presenting their artwork inspired by Panama’s history, people, and vibrant cultural sites, from the historic Casco Viejo to the Museum of the Mola and the Miraflores Visitor Center. The highlight was a showcase of Anika’s own work where her pieces sparked conversations on heritage, womanhood, and resilience. A special meeting at the Panama Government Palace Museum featured a curation of her works, now part of GALA’s current exhibition. “It was surreal,” Anika reflects. “To be in a space where voices of Latin American alongside international artists are seen, heard, and preserved. It reminded me why this work matters.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

As lead artist and coordinator, Anika made it her mission to empower her students not just as creators, but as global citizens. She organized artist talks, reflective sessions, and journaling workshops throughout the trip. “This wasn’t just about painting or performance, it was about self-discovery. I wanted them to see their art as a passport, a mirror, and a tool for social change,” she explains.

Each student was tasked with creating a piece that reflected their interpretation of Panamanian culture through a Caribbean lens. The final presentations at the Embassy of Panama Trinidad and Tobago were met with praise, symbolizing the power of youth voices in shaping regional unity.

Participants with artist, Jean Quiano ,Creative Director and Founder, Jean Decort 507 (at centre)

Legacy in Motion

This initiative is only one chapter in Anika’s larger mission to fuse art and wellness for collective healing. As a strategist and founder of Chosen Hands, an award-winning social impact program in Trinidad and Tobago, Anika has worked for over a decade at the intersection of community development, mental health, and creative expression. Her workshops in schools, and women’s shelters have used art as a vehicle for trauma recovery, confidence building, and intergenerational dialogue.

Her approach is deeply intersectional - embracing traditional craft, visual storytelling, and holistic wellness practices. From grassroots communities to international forums, Anika’s influence continues to ripple outward, inspiring a generation of changemakers who understand that art is not a luxury, but a necessity.

About Anika Plowden-Corentin

Anika Plowden-Corentin is a Trinidadian visual artist, social impact strategist, and cultural curator. She is the founder of Chosen Hands - a transformative art and wellness program dedicated to using creative expression for healing, empowerment, and social justice. Through murals, mentorship, and mobile studios, Chosen Hands has impacted communities across the Caribbean. Anika’s work has been featured in national galleries, international summits, and educational institutions. She is passionate about art as activism and believes in creating space for every voice - especially those that have been silenced. Whether she’s leading a workshop in a school or hanging artwork in a museum, Anika remains devoted to one mission: healing through art, one chosen hand at a time.

Aleah Guitan, Director, Trinitica International (left) with Anika Plowden- Corentin, Founder, Chosen Hands(right)

Ale Sanguine, Director of GALA (Galería de Arte Latinoamericano) Aleah Guitan Director, Trinitica International, Anika Plowden-Corentin, Founder, Chosen Hands, and Miguel Sinclair-Alfredo Sinclair House Museum, Panama

The next Art Immersion Program is carded for December 2025! Don’t miss this transformative opportunity to connect, create, and collaborate. The program is designed to provide a powerful platform for local creatives and emerging artists to explore the business of art, creativity, and culture on a global stage.

 Dates: 11th – 15th December 2025 Location: Panama

 Reserve your spot or get more info:+1 868-797-8937+1 868-751-6278

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